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UN experts in the field of human rights highlighted the need for France to take urgent measures to protect children from incest and all forms of sexual abuse, in addition to addressing the ill-treatment suffered by mothers who are trying to keep them safe. According to what was stated in the United Nations daily news bulletin, a copy of which we received over the weekend
The experts had previously written to the French authorities after receiving information about three cases related to allegations of sexual abuse of children by fathers and violations against mothers who sought to protect them. According to the allegations, they found that the children were victims of sexual abuse or at high risk of sexual abuse at the hands of their parents or alleged perpetrators and there was credible and disturbing evidence of incest.
The independent experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council said in a statement last weekend, Friday, that despite the allegations, and in the absence of a proper investigation, the children were placed in the custody of their parents.
Undermining allegations of abuse
The experts said: “We are particularly concerned about the way in which the family court allowed the alleged perpetrator to accuse the mother of alienating the father in order to undermine the allegations of child sexual abuse and divert attention from the alleged abuse they are subjecting their partners and children to.”
They urged the French authorities to respect the “precautionary principle” and the “principle of due diligence” in child protection, especially during legal proceedings, to allow a preventive approach in uncertain and complex cases. He added that the views of the child must also be taken into account and respected, and their best interests must be the primary consideration before making custody decisions in favor of a parent.
Strengthen law enforcement
The experts stressed the need to build the capacity of law enforcement and justice officials to effectively monitor and address human rights violations affecting these children and their mothers.
They said: “Urgent steps must be taken to alleviate the painful situation in which children and their mothers are negatively affected by insufficient attention to their needs.”
The experts said that they are following the work of the independent French commission on incest and child sexual abuse, the results of which confirm the concerns expressed to the government.
Complaints mechanism
The experts urged the authorities to establish an effective complaints handling system and investigation mechanism to address victims’ complaints, and added: “These efforts, including in cases of divorce and custody, are necessary and must go hand in hand with effective coordination between law enforcement agencies and other service providers, while maintaining The best interests of the child are at the heart of all actions or decisions affecting or relating to children.”
They noted that France is a party to the United Nations treaties on the rights of the child and the elimination of discrimination against women, and called on the country to implement its obligations under these international human rights instruments.
About the international experts
Among the experts who issued the statement were Reem Al-Salem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, and Mama Fatima Singateh, United Nations Special Rapporteur on child sexual abuse, in addition to members of the United Nations Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls, who are: Dorothy Estrada Tank (Chair) , Claudia Flores, Ivana Krstić, Haina Lu, and Laura Nirenkende.
It is noteworthy that special rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the Human Rights Council in Geneva, which is an intergovernmental body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world. Rapporteurs and experts are tasked with studying human rights situations and submitting reports on them to the Human Rights Council. It should be noted that this position is honorary, and these experts are not considered employees of the United Nations and do not receive compensation for their work.