The latest UNICEF report highlights alarming statistics on sexual violence against children globally. According to the report, over 370 million girls and women have experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18, which translates to approximately one in eight female children. This disturbing reality lingers even into adulthood, affecting their well-being and contradicting our aspirations for a just, peaceful, and safe society, particularly for vulnerable children who are innocent and deserving of protection.
The report, a groundbreaking first-ever global and regional estimate on sexual violence against children, was released ahead of the International Day of the Girl Child, which is celebrated on October 11th every year to recognize girls' rights and address the challenges they face worldwide. Unfortunately, the report reveals the alarming scale of sexual violence against children, particularly adolescent girls, with long-lasting impacts. According to UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, "Sexual violence against children is a stain on our moral conscience." She further said, "it inflicts deep and lasting trauma, often by someone the child knows and trusts, in places where they should feel safe." This disturbing trend demands a collective and urgent response from the international community to address the issue and ensure a safer and more peaceful world for all girls.
This article will beam its search light on the Muslim communities, who are considered by all standards as the ambassadors of good values as described by Allah in Surah Aal-i-Imraan, Verse 110: "You are the best nation ever evolved [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah..." and are advised by the Prophet (PBUH) to treat children with kindness. It will investigate how Muslim societies address the alarming statistics of sexual violence against children, exploring the impact of religious definitions, cultural norms, and legal frameworks on this critical issue.
How do the Muslim Societies Compare in this Statistics?
According to the UNICEF report, sexual violence against children is a widespread issue that transcends geographical, cultural, and economic boundaries. The prevalence of victims varies by region, with the highest numbers found in Sub-Saharan Africa having the highest number of victims, with 79 million girls and women affected (22 per cent), followed by 75 million in Eastern and South-Eastern Asia (8 per cent), 73 million in Central and Southern Asia (9 per cent), 68 million in Europe and Northern America (14 per cent), 45 million in Latin America and the Caribbean (18 per cent), 29 million in Northern Africa and Western Asia (15 per cent), and 6 million in Oceania (34 per cent) all in proportionate to their populations. These statistics highlight the alarming scope of sexual violence against children globally.
As a matter of fact, the regions with the highest instances of sexual violence against children are predominantly non-Muslim. According to research, while Muslims reside on every continent, Sub-Saharan Africa, which reports the highest number of cases, has a Muslim population of only 15 per cent, while Oceania, the region with the highest proportion of cases, is home to a mere 1.4 per cent Muslim population. This starkly illustrates the minority status of Muslims in these areas. Although over 60 per cent of the global Muslim population resides in Asia, a closer examination reveals that Muslim communities are largely detached from these alarming statistics. In Southeast Asian countries with significant Muslim populations, sexual violence accounts for just 8 per cent of cases, while in Central and South Asia, the figure is 9 per cent—both below the world average of 12.5 per cent. Meanwhile, in the Middle East and North Africa, which hosts about 20 per cent of the global Muslim population and have the highest percentage of Muslim-majority countries, the incidence rises to 15 per cent.
Meanwhile, in the Western world, the table is not anyway better. In Europe and America, the rates stand at 14 per cent, while Latin America and the Caribbean report an even higher rate of 18 per cent. When compared, these figures indicate that, globally, Muslim societies experience relatively low levels of sexual violence against children, challenging the narrative often associated with these communities.
Despite the relatively low statistics, it's essential to acknowledge that sexual violence against children still occurs within Muslim communities. After all, the Muslim community, which should be an exemplary society, should ideally not take part in such tables. Recognizing this reality is crucial for addressing the issue effectively. It's imperative to identify associated variables contributing to these incidents in Muslim communities and develop context-specific solutions to prevent and respond to these crimes. A multifaceted approach considering the interplay of cultural norms and values; religious teachings and interpretations; legal frameworks and enforcement; and as well social definitions and stigma should be objectively deployed to tackle and forestall the occurrence of this menace in most especially Muslim communities and the world at large.
The Roles of Definitions, Cultures and Laws in Reshaping the Trend
Islam unequivocally condemns sexual violence, providing clear guidance on its definition and prevention. The Quran explicitly warns against unlawful sexual intercourse, stating, "And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way" (Al-Israa, Verse 32). This verse offers valuable lessons one of which is avoiding activities that provoke sexual attraction, such as indecent dressing and unnecessary cohabitation between opposite sexes, including children. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) further emphasized separation between male and female residents from age 10. Also, the Verse describes sexual transgressions as immoral and evil, especially when committed against vulnerable individuals. These teachings should deter conscious Muslims from engaging in such heinous acts and as well inspire them(the believers) to actively prevent and address sexual violence.
By reflecting on these divine guidelines, Muslims can foster a culture of protection, compassion, and justice, ultimately reducing the occurrence of sexual violence and promoting a safer environment for all, particularly vulnerable children.
Also, the Muslim world should uphold its values and traditions, avoiding cultural Westernization that may promote activities conducive to rape and sexual assault. Islamic culture fosters a decent, peaceful, and egalitarian society, ensuring individual rights and protecting vulnerable children. Unlike Western practices, where children are often left in third-party care, Islamic principles emphasize mutual trust, respect, and parental supervision. Muslim parents must recognize their children as a sacred trust, accountable for their protection and upbringing.
The Prophet (SAW) emphasized parental responsibility, saying: "Every one of you is a shepherd... and the mother is a shepherd to the children her husband has left in her care, and she shall be held accountable." This teaching inspires parental responsibility, encouraging active involvement in children's upbringing, thereby reducing their vulnerability to rape and sexual assault. Good parenting not only protects children, but also lays the foundation that will not lead them to sexual aggression.
To combat sexual violence, Muslim communities should reinforce their laws and regulations, complementing existing Islamic principles. They should implement key measures such as:
- Sexual regulation: Similar to Islamic law, there should be regulations deterring people from all forms of sexual activity outside the legal framework of marriage.
- Intensifying societal advocacy to expose the harmful consequences of sexual violence for victims and communities.
- Establishing confidential reporting channels, encouraging victims to speak out and seek justice.
- Ensuring swift and fair action against perpetrators, serving as a deterrent to others.
By implementing these measures, Muslim communities can protect vulnerable individuals, promote a culture of accountability and uphold Islamic values of justice and compassion. This comprehensive approach will help eradicate sexual violence and foster a safer, more just society.
In conclusion, Muslims have a pivotal role as agents of positive change in a corrupt society. To effectively reform the world, they must first address the issues within their own communities, remembering that "charity begins at home." As Allaah (SWT) commands in Surah Aal-i-Imraan, Verse 104: "And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful." Muslims should reflect on this divine guidance; prioritize local community reformation; promote goodness, righteousness, and justice; and as well address social ills, including sexual violence. By doing so, Muslims can create a vibrant, moral society, ultimately inspiring global positive change.
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