The UN’s Call for Reform: Peru’s Violation of Girl’s Human Rights Sparks Urgency for Abortion Reform

UN Committee Finds Peru Violated Girl’s Human Rights, Urges Abortion Reform

Introduction

In a landmark decision, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) has found Peru responsible for violating the human rights of a young Indigenous girl, known as Camila, who was denied an abortion after becoming pregnant as a result of rape. The committee has urged Peru to guarantee access to reproductive health services, including abortion care, and to decriminalize abortion to prevent further harm to girls like Camila. This decision sheds light on the urgent need for comprehensive responses to sexual violence survivors and access to reproductive rights for girls and women in Peru.

Violation of Human Rights

Camila’s case exemplifies the grave violations of human rights that many girls face in Peru. After enduring years of rape by her father, she became pregnant at the age of 13. Despite the serious risks posed to her life and health, her request for an abortion was denied. The pregnancy resulted in a miscarriage, and when Camila sought emergency health care for complications, she was prosecuted and forced to go through a traumatic court process. These actions by the authorities not only violated her right to life, health, privacy, and freedom from discrimination, but also subjected her to cruel and degrading treatment.

The UN Committee’s decision holds Peru accountable for its failure to protect the rights of girls like Camila. It sends a crucial message that no girl should have her sexual and reproductive rights trampled upon, especially in cases where the pregnancy poses a risk to her life or health. The committee’s findings highlight the urgent need for Peru to address these systemic issues and provide comprehensive support to survivors of sexual violence.

The Need for Abortion Reform

Peru‘s current laws criminalize abortion, punishable by up to two years in prison. However, there are exceptions for cases where the life or health of the woman, girl, or pregnant person is in danger. Camila’s case fell within this exception, yet she was still convicted and only acquitted on appeal a year later. This demonstrates the flaws in Peru‘s legal framework and the significant barriers girls and women face in accessing safe and legal abortion.

The committee’s recommendation to decriminalize abortion in Peru is a crucial step towards ensuring the rights and well-being of girls and women. It is estimated that 1,100 girls under the age of 15 become pregnant every year in Peru. The lack of effective and non-discriminatory access to legal and safe abortion in cases of child pregnancy poses a grave risk to these girls’ lives and futures. By decriminalizing abortion, Peru can protect the health and rights of these vulnerable individuals and prevent further harm.

Comprehensive Response to Sexual Violence

The UN Committee’s decision also highlights the need for Peru to provide a comprehensive response to survivors of sexual violence. The Ombudsman’s Office has warned that Peru‘s current measures are inadequate, leaving many girls without access to justice and essential physical and mental health services. Between January and April, Peru reported an alarming 2,388 cases of rape of girls under 18, equating to approximately 20 cases every day. This epidemic of sexual violence demands urgent action.

In addition to decriminalizing abortion, Peru must also prioritize the implementation of support systems for survivors, including access to justice and comprehensive physical and mental health services. These measures are essential to ensuring the well-being and empowerment of girls and women who have experienced sexual violence.

Conclusion

The UN Committee’s decision in the case of Camila reflects the urgent need for Peru to reform its laws and institutions to protect the rights of girls and women. By decriminalizing abortion and providing comprehensive support to survivors of sexual violence, Peru can address the systemic issues that contribute to human rights violations and protect the well-being of its most vulnerable citizens.

It is imperative for Peru to heed the committee’s recommendations and take immediate action. The lives and futures of countless girls and women depend on the country’s commitment to upholding their rights and providing a comprehensive response to sexual violence. Only through meaningful reforms can Peru ensure justice, dignity, and equality for all its citizens.

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