The Ministry of Justice and Labor has ruled out mandatory DNA tests following calls from the Congress (MPS) to deal with paternity fraud.
This prompted discussions on gender, rights and legal fairness.
Ministry spokesman Edmund Koacebu said the ministry currently has no plans to make DNA testing mandatory.
This comes after a call by Pohamba Shifeta of the Swapo Congress on the introduction of mandatory DNA testing for all children born from unmarried couples.
“There is no basis for the ministry to violate the fear of gender bias or the rights and physical autonomy of women,” says Khoaseb.
He cited section 21 of the Maintenance Act, which stipulates that a DNA test can be performed if the maintenance person is in dispute and the child’s father reasonably believes that the child’s father is in dispute and that the child is prepared to submit himself and that child to the exam.
Khoaseb said the father’s conflict was suspected of the child’s mother and father.
“The parents of children are primarily jointly responsible for maintaining that child. Unfortunately, the department is not in a position to respond or address stories that are not provided by law,” he said.
“Gender Conversation”
Human rights activist Linda Baumann says the conversation surrounding her father’s fraud and gender justice issues is “very gendered.”
Speaking to Desert FM last week, she said she feels that many women are prioritizing and giving them more rights.
“The judicial system is about making sure the system is just for everyone. That means that men’s perceptions are the way they see them. It’s also important to understand where the true rooted opinions and perceptions come from,” she said.
Bauman said that in a patriarchal system, men were given power over women, but also experienced stigma if they reported being abused by women.
“It clearly shows that initially there is a widespread perception that women are given priority among the nation and among men, but that’s not the case,” she said.
Bauman said he is confident that the child is his own if there is a continuing father’s conflict and the man does not feel the need for a DNA test.
She asked what the meaning of the “forced” paternity test and who would step into the bill. She also asked how unnecessary conflicts between individuals could be avoided.
“Therefore, there is a need for greater consultation so that these issues can be addressed,” Bauman said.
Sign up for the AllAfrica newsletter for free
Get the latest African news
success!
Almost finished…
You need to check your email address.
Follow the instructions in the email you sent to complete the process.
error!
There was a problem processing the submission. Please try again later.
Shifeta has revealed that the proposed essential DNA test should be administered free of charge in public hospitals before the child’s birth is officially registered.
The issue was originally raised by positive relocation MP Tuhafeni Kalola, who expressed concern about a woman lying about the identity of the child’s father for potential benefits.
He said it could have serious consequences for men who believe in themselves as fathers, as well as the children involved.
Speaking to Desert FM last week, Kalola emphasized that father tests should only be mandated in cases where they are unknown.
“It should be enforced just for fairness; otherwise many crimes in our society would not be over.
“We should not only look at our parents, but our children’s futures. It’s really important that the child should carry the identities of their fathers, which are important in life,” he said.
Karola said Namibians are resistant to change.
“Men are welcome, but they may still be scared. …It could pose a problem,” he said.
