Madagascar has taken a significant step towards combating child rape by approving a bill that introduces stricter punishments for offenders. The bill includes provisions for surgical castration of perpetrators whose victims are 10 years old or younger. Offenders with victims between the ages of 10 and 13 will face either chemical or surgical castration, while those with victims between 14 and 17 will face chemical castration.
Before the bill can be fully implemented, it must undergo a review by the High Constitutional Court of Madagascar. The proposal was put forth by President Andry Rajoelina’s party, the Young Malagasies Determined, in response to a concerning increase in child rape cases within the country. Shockingly, in the month of January alone, there were reported 133 cases of child rape.
The approval of this bill demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting children and addressing the alarming issue of child rape in Madagascar. By imposing harsher penalties, including castration, the hope is to deter potential offenders and provide justice for the victims.
