Amnesty International has expressed approval following the Central African Republic’s (CAR) recent ratification of the Maputo Protocol, formally known as the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa. This treaty serves as a vital framework for advancing women’s rights and combating gender-based violence (GBV) across the region.
Abdoulaye Diarra, a Senior Researcher at Amnesty International, characterized this ratification as a significant and overdue advancement in the protection of the rights of women and girls within CAR. “Central African authorities must now follow through to take necessary measures to ensure the full implementation of the Maputo Protocol by adopting a comprehensive law to address GBV and promote gender equality,” Diarra emphasized. “They should also strengthen the justice system, improve support services for survivors, and raise awareness in communities, including in rural areas.”
Understanding the Maputo Protocol
Enacted in 2005, the Maputo Protocol is a cornerstone of commitment among African nations to facilitate equal participation of women in development across the continent. It broadly defines “discrimination against women” as any action that leads to distinctions or restrictions hindering women’s enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms in all areas of life.
This protocol notably underscores women’s autonomy over reproductive health, asserting their rights to control fertility, choose contraceptive methods, and receive protection against sexually transmitted infections. Currently, out of the 55 member states of the African Union, 46 have ratified this treaty, with Egypt and Morocco being notable exceptions as they have yet to sign it.
Current Challenges for Women in CAR
Despite progress toward ratifying the Maputo Protocol, significant challenges remain for women in CAR. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):
- Approximately 60% of births in the nation are not overseen by trained health personnel.
- About 22% of women aged 15 to 49 have undergone female genital mutilation.
- Over 61% of girls are wed before reaching the age of 18.
- As of 2018, 21% of individuals reported experiencing intimate partner violence within the past year.
Broader Context and Urging Action
Amnesty International has also called on Niger and Chad, two countries in West and Central Africa that have not yet ratified the Maputo Protocol, to do so without delay. The importance of this treaty cannot be overstated, particularly in light of the ongoing violence and human rights violations in nations such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Nigeria.
The ratification of the Maputo Protocol by CAR marks a pivotal step toward fostering an environment that supports and defends the rights of women and girls. However, its successful implementation will require coordinated action from government authorities and community organizations to effectively address persistent issues of gender discrimination and violence.
