Madagascar’s National Assembly passed a law targeting individuals convicted of child rape, introducing surgical castration and lengthy forced labour sentences.

This drastic measure comes in response to growing concerns over the safety of children and aims to serve as a strong deterrent against sexual crimes involving minors.

Under the new legislation, individuals found guilty of raping a child under the age of 10 will face surgical castration, a procedure that permanently removes a person’s ability to reproduce.

For crimes against children aged between 10 and 13, the law prescribes chemical castration, a temporary medical treatment that suppresses sexual drive, alongside a mandatory sentence of 15 to 20 years of forced labour.