Kigali — A law in its draft stages in Rwanda is calling for the forced sterilisation of mentally handicapped persons, a report published by watchdog Human Rights Watch has said.

The NGO, in a press release, called on Rwanda's legislature to reject the proposal, calling it an abuse against human rights. The law would also make HIV testing mandatory for all couples wishing to marry.

Forced sterilisation

"While Rwanda has made notable progress in fighting stigma and responding to the Aids epidemic, and has pledged to advance the rights of persons with disability, forced sterilisation and mandatory HIV testing do not contribute to those goals," the report read.

When asked about the draft law, Rwanda's Ministry of Information said that it would look into the case.

Rwanda's healthcare system has expanded considerably since a new government came to power after the 1994 genocide.