Namibia: Existence of female genital mutilation (FGM) and, if so, the prevalence of this practice, the time and among which ethnic groups it is performed, the availability of protection for women who refuse to have this practice performed and the possibility of Internal Flight Alternative (IFA) (1995 - September 2005)

Various sources consulted by the Research Directorate indicated that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is not practised in Namibia (LAC 26 Sept. 2005; University of Namibia 27 Sept. 2005a; IPU n.d.a.).

In 27 September 2005 correspondence to the Research Directorate, the Coordinator of the Gender Training and Research Programme of the University of Namibia stated that "no FGM [is] practised by any community in Namibia" (27 Sept. 2005a). The Coordinator of the Gender Research and Advocacy Project of the Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) also noted in 26 September 2005 correspondence to the Research Directorate that "to the best of our knowledge FGM is not practised in Namibia." The LAC is a "non-profit public interest law centre in Namibia [of which the] main objective is to protect the human rights of all Namibians. It works in three broad areas: litigation and advice, education and training, research and advocacy" (LAC n.d.).

In addition, referring to the same country, Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU), an "international organization of Parliaments of Sovereign States (IPU n.d.b.), stated that FGM "is reportedly not practised in Namibia" (n. d. a).

However, in Beyond Inequalities: Women in Namibia published in 1997 by both the University of Namibia (UNAM) and the Harare-based Southern African Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC), it is stated that

[a]lthough Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) among ethnic groups in Namibia is not practiced to the extent it is in West and East Africa (especially among Muslims), some ethnic groups perform minor cutting around the vaginal lips. However radical FGM, the removal of young girls' clitoris and labia is not practised in Namibia (76).

Referring to such "minor cutting around the vaginal lips," the Coordinator of the Gender Training and Research Programme of the University of Namibia explained that

[t]hose cuttings are performed [on] women, especially lactating mothers for children's ailments. They cut small pimples [sic] around the vagina. It is common among Ovambos. It is called Eemhalo in Oshiwambo. There is another cutting called Oshipa [on the] skin between the anus and vagina. Oshipa is cut out of either the father or the mother whoever has it between the two parents when their child is sick [as] the [illness] [is] consider[ed] to be caused by that skin. The symptoms are vomiting and running stomach, the child becomes weak and pale. It is not [a] big thing and [does] not really cause harm. It is discouraged because of HIV/AIDS (27 Sept. 2005b).

According to a 21 February 2005 United Nations (UN) report, Namibia is among seven African countries that have ratified the anti-FGM protocol (Maputo Protocol) that "seeks to outlaw" FGM.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU). N.a. "Legislation and Other National Provisions: Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Norway." [Accessed 19 Sept. 2005]
_____. N.d.b. "What is the IPU?" [Accessed 28 Sept. 2005]

Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) (Windhoeck, Namibia). 26 September 2005. Correspondence from the Coordinator of Gender Research and Advocacy Project.
_____. N.d. "Objectives." [Accessed 28 Sept. 2005]

United Nations. 21 February 2005. Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN). UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. "Djibouti: Anti-FGM Protocol Ratified But Huge Challenges Remain." [Accessed 15 Sept. 2005]

University of Namibia. 27 September 2005a. Social Science Division (SSD). Correspondence from the Coordinator of Gender Training and Research Programme.
_____. 27 September 2005b. Social Science Division (SSD). Correspondence from the Coordinator of Gender Training and Research Programme.

University of Namibia (UNAM) and Southern African Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC). 1997. Women in Development Southern Africa Awareness (WIDSAA) [Windhoek and Harare]. Beyond Inequalities: Women in Namibia. [Accessed 27 Sept. 2005]

Additional Sources Consulted

Oral sources: Sister Namibia, a Namibian women's rights non-governmental organization, did not respond to the information request within time constraints.

Publications: Africa Confidential, Africa Research Bulletin, Jeune Afrique/L'intelligent, Resource Centre country file.

Internet sites, including: AllAfrica, Amnesty International, CEDAW, European Country of Origin Information Network (ECOI), Famafrique, Feminist Women's Health Center, Freedom House, Human Rights Watch, Inter-African Committee (IAC) on Traditional Practices, International Women's Health Coalition (IWHC), US Department of State, World Health Organization (WHO).