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Summary: During the 20th Session of the Human Rights Council, a side event took place on harmful traditional practices (HPTs) against women and girls.
During the 20th regular session of the Human Rights Council (18 June - 6 July 2012), special attention was brought to women's human rights, and for finding reparations for women who have been subjected to violence stemming from certain traditional practices, including early marriage, Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting, acid attack, stoning, accusations of witchcraft and honour killings. This side event highlighted the gap between laws and practice in harmful traditional/cultural practices and attempted to define the actions needed to realise the elimination of these practices. Every year 10 millions of girls are married before they are 18. Child marriage violates the rights of children. Girl brides drop out of school. As a result, their employment options are restricted, and earning a safe and reliable income becomes more difficult. Furthermore, they are more likely to fall pregnant before their bodies are ready. Maternal mortality amongst young mothers is very high, with increased risk of death or serious injury such as fistula. Research also suggests that child brides are more exposed to sexual abuse and domestic violence. In many parts of the world older women are accused of witchcraft, particularly single or widowed women. They can be ostracised from their communities, physically attacked or killed. Little action is taken because it is linked to sensitive issues of tradition and culture. This panel sought a clear and honest discussion on the implications of these practices on the human rights of women and girls. Harmful traditional/cultural practices are a violation of human rights and a discrimination and violence against women. Laws have been made but a gap exists between law and reality. Despite the laws, those practices continue to exist. The panel concluded that political will is crucial if more specific laws and regulations are to come into force, and to facilitate the establishment of structures and services for helping, compensating and rehabilitating the victim/survivors of these practices. However, there was general agreement that in the context of beliefs and values, laws are necessary but not sufficient. A change in values and mind set is needed and this can only be achieved through education. Crucially, human rights education.