official capacity”. The draft Code has currently been submitted to the National Assembly for adoption. 88. In its efforts to protect women and children from harmful practices, the Government adopted Act No. 006/PR/2002 of 15 April 2002 on the Promotion of Reproductive Health. Article 9 of this Act states that: “Everyone has the right not to be subjected to torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of the body in general and the reproductive organs in particular. All forms of violence such as female genital mutilation, early marriage, domestic violence and sexual abuse of a human being are prohibited”. Pursuant to these texts, several perpetrators of female genital mutilation have been arrested, tried and sentenced in the Mandoul and Logone Oriental regions. 89. An advocacy workshop was held from 20 to 24 December 2015 in Koumra, at the Centre Culturel Campagnard, for traditional leaders and dignitaries of the Mandoul Region on female genital mutilation (FGM). This Region indeed records the highest rate of FGM practices (91.7%). It was an opportunity to share information and raise awareness about the harmful effects of female genital mutilation. D. Prohibition of arbitrary arrest or detention 90. Article 6 of the African Charter stipulates that: “Every individual shall have the right to liberty and to security of his person. No one may be deprived of his freedom except for reasons and conditions previously laid down by law. In particular, no one may be arbitrarily arrested or detained.” 91. Articles 21, 22, 23 and 25 of the Constitution of the Republic of Chad refer to the prohibition of unlawful and arbitrary arrests and detentions. According to the above-mentioned provisions, “unlawful and arbitrary arrests and detentions are prohibited” (Article 21); “No one may be detained in a correctional facility unless punished under a prevailing criminal law” (Article 22); “No one may be arrested or charged under a law promulgated prior to the facts of which he stands accused” (Article 23) and “Punishment is personal. No one may be held liable and prosecuted for an act he has not committed”. 92. According to Article 143, paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code, “when a public official, agent or servant of the Government has ordered or done any arbitrary or unlawful act interfering, either with personal liberty or the Constitution, he shall be sentenced to a six months to five years imprisonment term and a fine of 5,000 to 5,000,000 francs”. Page 26 sur 87

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