UK Parliament Discusses Corrective Rape in South Africa
By Melanie Nathan, Feb 15, 2011,
As I prepare for my trip to South Africa, armed with reforms to present to the SA Ministry of Justice – for victims of corrective rape, the UK parliament is expressing concern and action on the very topic that activists will discuss with the Ministry of Justice in SA.
The Invitation to speak to the Ministry in South Africa is a direct result of the International outcry about the brutal “corrective” rape of Millicent Gaika and the shoddy treatment she received form South Africa Police and Prosecuting authorities thereafter, leading to the effective advocacy which started and continued with my articles on my prior BLOG, most of which are copied here.
Ms. Gaika’s case served as the impetus for many murdered and brutalized before her; when publicity did not make it into International mainstream. After writing on the subject for over a year in numerous reports, Change.org picked up our draft reforms and together with the organization Luleki Sizwe – started a record breaking petition for justice and reform that engendered over 198,000 supportive e-mails into – addressed to Minister Radebe, and landing in e-mails of officials in the Ministry.
Yesterday in Parliament in the United Kingdom:
South Africa: Rape Corrective Rape, South African police cannot protect –Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has discussed with his South African counterpart measures to combat the practice of corrective rape in that country. [39580]
Mr Bellingham: The UK opposes discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in all circumstances. We believe that human rights are universal and should apply equally to all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Government of South Africa place a high priority on the fight against all crime, especially that involving sex and violence. However the South African police service is struggling to meet the challenge. The UK Government, through our high commission in Pretoria, are in regular contact with the Government of South Africa and the South African police service about our concerns over the crime rate, including rape. We continue to monitor the situation closely.
The Department for International Development is also planning a new four-year programme in South Africa to address the high levels of gender based violence. This is likely to focus on preventing sexual and physical violence and improving the response to violence. These plans are subject to the outcome of the bilateral aid review (expected to be announced before the end of March).
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office holds a regular dialogue with South Africa on all issues, including human rights. While I have not personally raised the issue of corrective rape, colleagues at our high commission in Pretoria will do so at the earliest possible opportunity.
House of Commons / 14 Feb 2011 : Column 507W
Millicent Gaika days after the attack
To support my trip to South Africa in two weeks, to meet with officials and to attend, support and report on Milli’s trial