This report has been specifically compiled for the United Nations Expert Workshop on Witchcraft and Human Rights, in Geneva on 21st and 22nd September 2017. It aims to provide some background understanding into the work carried out by the United Nations on these issues to date; outline the current scale of the abuses of human rights that are taking place across the world due such harmful beliefs and practices; identify emerging trends and, finally, act as a call to action for all UN, Government and civil society agencies working on these issues to redouble their efforts to develop solutions to prevent further abuses from taking place.
Profession: All Professionals
An Exploration of Knowledge about Child Abuse Linked to Faith or Belief
This groundbreaking new research investigates current knowledge and raises awareness of child abuse linked to faith or belief. Internationally, cases of child abuse linked to faith or belief (CALFB) continue to cause concern. In the United Kingdom (UK) high profile cases such as Victoria Climbie and Kristy Bamu have raised awareness of the need to develop child protection in this area. However, there are relatively small numbers of recorded cases though this data may be open to question due to underreporting and lack of recognition. Therefore, this research is timely and important in providing a foundation on which to build more effective identification of cases, policy and intervention.
Breast Ironing – Briefing Fact Sheet
This briefing highlights what breast ironing is, the consequence (legally, physically and emotionally), the law in the UK, key research on the practice and the reasons why families may practice it. MP Jake Berry used this for a speech in parliament about the issue.
FGM Protection Orders
FGM protection orders (FGMPO) offer a legal means to protect and safeguard victims and potential victims of FGM. You can apply for a protection order if you or someone you know is at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM). This will help to keep you (or the person you know) safe from another person (the ‘respondent’). Someone else (eg from a local authority) can also apply for a protection order on your behalf.
Understanding Breast “Ironing”: A study of the methods, motivations and outcomes of Breast Flattening in Cameroon
This report presents the findings of research examining the practice of breast ironing or breast flattening in Cameroon. Breast ironing or flattening is a practice common in Cameroon and throughout West Africa whereby an object is used to massage, pound, or press the breasts flat. This report presents a summary of findings from original fieldwork and a review of unpublished academic reports and one quantitative study conducted in all ten regions of Cameroon by GIZ in 2005
Good FGM Referral Guide
This is a guide for professionals who are thinking about making a referral and what to know what information to include. This guide can also be used by safeguarding advisors who are looking to gather more information on a referral.
Let’s Talk FGM – for Health
Let’s Talk FGM is a website to assist professionals to make the sensitive enquiry about FGM. It incorporates key information on the impact of FGM, why it happens, the law, how to protect children and suggests support for survivors. The site is also available in an Ipad App.
Survivors Voices – Video
Journalist and broadcaster Susan Bookbinder talks with four women about how they would like to see professionals hold sensitive conversations about female genital mutilation, including what actions to take to safeguard vulnerable girls.
What is FGM – Video
Video produced by NHS Choices that covers what FGM is, the 4 types of FGM and the consequences of the practice.
FGM – Presentation for training
This powerpoint can be used to help professionals understand FGM as a form of child abuse and to be better able to identify and respond to it. Includes information on mandatory reporting, risk indicators and safeguarding duties.