Condemnation of Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission & EIGE
Subject: Failure to Protect Boys from Non-Consensual Genital Cutting
Statement:
We strongly condemn Ursula von der Leyen and the European Commission for their failure to uphold fundamental rights and protect male children from non-consensual circumcision, a practice that constitutes an irreversible violation of bodily integrity.
Key Points of Condemnation
Double Standard in Law:
The EU criminalizes female genital mutilation under its directives as a form of gender-based violence.
The same protection is denied to boys, despite comparable violations of bodily integrity and irreversible harm.
Violation of EU Fundamental Rights:
Article 3 of the Charter: Right to integrity of the person.
Article 24: Best interests of the child must be a primary consideration.
Article 21: Prohibition of discrimination (sex-based protection disparity).
Failure of Duty:
The European Commission, under von der Leyen, excluded boys from the directive against gender-based violence and harmful practices, despite public and institutional awareness that non-consensual circumcision is a harmful traditional practice.
Cultural and Religious Bias:
Prioritizing religious lobbying over universal children’s rights undermines the EU’s credibility as a protector of human dignity and equality before the law.
Conclusion:
This omission constitutes a systemic human rights failure. By legitimizing non-consensual genital cutting of boys while criminalizing the same act against girls, the European Commission perpetuates gender discrimination, bodily harm, and violations of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
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