But, you may be surprised to learn in this part of the world, an estimated 120 million girls and women across the world are genitally mutilated. The underlying problem here is more culture-bound than legal. The third right in the Charter is the Right to Equality, and to be Free from all forms of Discrimination. While discrimination against race is on the decline, discrimination against women regarding their sexual and reproductive rights is still rampant. This Right includes a clause on protection from sexual violence, particularly against women.
Rape is still far too ubiquitous and destroys the life of far too many adolescent girls.
Domestic violence against women is far too common in societies of all kinds, and, like rape, is grossly under-reported for fear the victims have of the consequences. At times the violence took place because the husband was informed, in violation of the Charter's Right to Privacy regarding sexual and reproductive health services. Children too have to be protected against sexual violence, and that includes rape of young girls and enforced pederasty of boys. These abominable practices are nothing short of torture. Recent revelations in a respectable European country have dramatized a situation that has all too often been swept under the table.