A right of passage into manhood or a dangerous abusive practice, that is killing many innocent boys? In Africa the debate has grown heavy in recent months, after the UN recommended male circumcision as a form of HIV/AIDS prevention. But for many the rite of passage is done in a rather primitive manner, and has led to death for around 20 boys, and another 100 hospitalized in South Africa's Eastern Cape in the last month alone. The South African government isn't standing by and idly watching, they are Clamping down on botched circumcisions. It was six years ago, when legislation was introduced requiring traditional those who preform circumcisions to obtain permission from a certified medical officer. A license must also be obtained for each circumcision school, the school must also be inspected by health department officials. Unfortunately children are still being maimed, getting infections, or dying from circumcisions, despite the laws.
So what is the problem?
“The problem, according to Sizwe Kupelo, is that unskilled surgeons and quacks are now catering to people trying to avoid the lengthy legal route. Young boys are running away from home to be circumcised by illegal surgeons who do not demand consent forms signed by officials and parents; some underage boys and their parents lie, telling surgeons the youngsters are 18.”
Henderson Dweba, who is head of traditional health services for thee Eastern Cape health department, stated that is an becoming more of a trend to see a Western-trained doctor, over a traditional one.
“But this is still a small percentage … there is too much stigma attached to this method for a lot more people to consider it. The outside world doesn't realize the significance of it all. When you do it the traditional way, you are crossing the Rubicon into manhood.” (At the Cutting edge – male circumcision and HIV)
The international debate on male circumcision has gone on for many years, across the globe, but issues in many African nations goes deeper than religion or cultural belief. The real issue and concern with male circumcision, is are boys being put at risk, or needlessly dying? The answer is yes, and therefore we must look at the issue from a standpoint of the rights of the child to life, health and safety, in for no other reason. Regardless of your views on male circumcision, one must agree that this is a medical procedure, regardless of cultural rites of passage, and must be preformed in clean and safe environments, by medical professionals who are prepared to deal with any side effects or procedural problems.
“It is necessary to advocate full respect for these human rights for all children, boys and girls alike. By condemning one practice and not the other, another basic human right, namely the right to freedom from discrimination, is at stake. Regardless whether a child is a boy or a girl, neither should be subject to a harmful traditional practice (Male Circumcision and the Rights of the Child).”
Other than a health issue, if a boy is forcibly circumcised under tribal conditions, or similar, then this is a clear violation of the child's human rights. To many the issue of male circumcision is seen with little difference to female genital mutilation. However while many argue the health benefits, even when done under medical super vision, the situation must be given a separate set of eyes in the opinion of others. All can agree that dying is not a rite of passage!
