About Careers MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER

Council of Europe Chief Says Has Nothing to Do With Circumcision Resolution

by Kathy Jones on October 10, 2013 at 9:08 PM
Font : A-A+

 Council of Europe Chief Says Has Nothing to Do With Circumcision Resolution

After a furious reaction from Israel, Council of Europe chief Thorbjoern Jagland has distanced himself from a controversial resolution of the pan-European human rights body that calls for regulation of circumcision practices.

In a furious reaction to the resolution adopted early October by the council's Parliamentary Assembly (PACE), Israel argued that "claims that circumcision harms young boys' health and body are false, and do not rest on any scientific evidence."


It also took particular exception to the fact that the resolution dealt with both female genital mutilation and the circumcision of young boys on religious grounds.

In a letter addressed to Israeli President Shimon Peres, Jagland assured that "nothing in the body of our legally binding standards would lead us to put on equal footing the issue of female genital mutilation and the circumcision of young boys for religious reasons."

While female genital mutilation is specifically banned, no similar legal provisions exist against circumcision, he wrote in the letter dated Tuesday.

Jagland also said that PACE was but a consultative body and "does not represent the position of the Council of Europe as a whole."

The resolution urged the council's 47 member states to ensure the latest medical and sanitary conditions are met during ritual circumcisions, which are often performed on boys at an early age in Judaism and Islam.

It called for "dialogue between... medical doctors and religious representatives, so as to overcome some of the prevailing traditional methods, which do not take into consideration the best interest of the child and the latest state of medical art."

Ritual circumcisions in Judaism, Israel's dominant religion, are usually carried out by a religious official specialised in the practice.

The Israeli foreign ministry said the resolution "casts a moral stain on the Council of Europe, and fosters hate and racist trends in Europe."

On Monday, Peres had sent a message to Jagland asking him to get the resolution modified.

Source: AFP

Recommended Reading

Latest General Health News

What Are the Consequences of Celebrities Endorsing Tobacco?
In India, youth must be aware of the diseases linked to cigarette smoking and tobacco consumption, causing a form of healthcare emergency.
 People Living Close to the Seaside Enjoy Better Health
Direct coastal access may represent a viable route to public health promotion, but the relationships of coastal living are not strongest among lower-income groups.
 Over Four Million Gardeners Place Their Hearing in Danger
New research by Tinnitus UK has found that over four million gardeners are putting their hearing capacity at risk this summer without using safety protection.
Breaking the Barrier: Unraveling Mucus Plugs to Save Lives in COPD
Mucus plugs could be targeted to help reduce fatalities from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
 Disease Modifying Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis Continue to Drive Up Healthcare Cost
The development of reliable curative therapies for multiple sclerosis could significantly reduce the economic burden of the disease on patients and wider society.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close

Sexual Problem

Consult an Expert

×

Council of Europe Chief Says Has Nothing to Do With Circumcision Resolution Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests