By Chidimma Onwuka

Rights group, Amnesty International has urged Madagascar to abolish a new law which allows for the chemical and surgical castration of people convicted of raping minors as it is cruel, inhuman and degrading.

Last month, Madagascar President, Andry Rajoelina proposed the amendments to the penal code.

These changes have since been agreed by Members of Parliament.

In a statement, Amnesty's regional director for east and southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, said Madagascar rape cases remain under-reported, and perpetrators often go free due to the victims' and their families' fear of retaliation, stigmatization, and a lack of trust in the judicial system.