51. Traditional and customary practices affecting the health of women and girls - in particular, female genital mutilation - have long been a target of intergovernmental, governmental and civil society concern, and a variety of measures has been introduced to address them and their harmful effects. However, the elimination of such practices requires greater efforts. Fundamental changes in societal attitudes are necessary. This requires national, regional and international efforts devised within the context of health, human rights and women's empowerment.

47. Several efforts have been undertaken by regional bodies. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has addressed the elimination of discriminatory practices against the girl child. Commitments with regard to the eradication of harmful traditional practices were made in the Africa Declaration for Children, concluded at the Organization of African Unity (OAU) International Conference on Assistance to African Children (Dakar, Senegal, 1992). Jointly with the Inter-African Committee (IAC) on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and a Norway-based non-governmental organization, the Norwegian Women's Front, OAU also took a part in organizing a Symposium for Legislators on the Drafting of the African Declaration on Violence Against Women Related to Traditional Practices (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, September 1997). At the Symposium, the participants from 15 African countries and the United Nations system examined the human rights perspective of harmful traditional practices, discussed the possible legislative measures to be undertaken using international conventions and treaties already signed by African Governments, and agreed on the Addis Ababa Declaration on Violence against Women. Adopted by the OAU Commission of Labour and Social Affairs in Pretoria, South Africa, in April 1998, the Declaration was then endorsed by the OAU Council of Ministers and Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Burkina Faso in June 1998.

48. Non-governmental organizations, women's groups and grass-roots organizations have also been active in the context of traditional and customary practices affecting the health of women and children. For example, the Inter-African Committee (IAC) on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children has been actively involved in the eradication of harmful traditional practices, including female genital mutilation, early marriage and nutritional taboos. With its national committees in 26 countries in Africa and in close partnership with the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and United Nations specialized agencies, IAC has implemented programmes, including training and information campaigns, at the grass-roots level, and provided training for traditional birth attendants and for trainers, and held sensitization campaigns to raise public awareness of the harmful consequences of certain tradiitonal practices. IAC held its fourth regional conference in Dakar, Senegal, in November 1997, and a Symposium for Religious Leaders and medical personnel was held in July 1998 in the Gambia.

UNGARES.IAC/1+ 4