IRCT [to 16 May 2015]
http://www.irct.org/
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Statements & declarations
On the Practice of Virginity Testing by Military Medical Professionals – Open Letter to the Delegates of the 41st World Congress on Military Medicine, Indonesia
13 May 2015
Excerpt
Distinguished Delegates:
On the eve of the 41st World Congress on Military Medicine in Indonesia, the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims – the world’s largest membership organisation working in the field of health-based rehabilitation of torture victims1 – urges you to reject the military practice of virginity testing by military medical professionals as a gross violation of women’s rights and one that may amount to ill-treatment and torture under international law.

These examinations, inherently discriminatory, are still conducted in a number of states as part of public and social policies to control sexuality. The World Health Organization considers virginity testing to be a form of sexual violence,2 and experience shows that, in almost all instances, when forcibly conducted, the exams cause women significant pain and suffering. Medical studies also demonstrate that these examinations are inaccurate, medically unreliable, and have no scientific or clinical value.

We welcome this opportunity to draw your attention to these pressing issues at the 41st World Congress on Military Medicine in Indonesia and urge all Delegates to consider duly the attached Expert Statement and:
:: To reject and, as appropriate, denounce the military practice of virginity testing by military medical professionals; and
:: To refuse to be present during or participate in these examinations.

As your military forces continue to modernise with respect for and applying international laws with the assistance of the International Committee of Military Medicine, we urge you to avoid violating the integrity and rights of your female members. Women should not be subjected to the likelihood of significant – and long-standing – pain and suffering in order to exercise their rights to participate in the military…