About Female genital mutilation
• Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia.
• It is also injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
• The practice is mostly carried out by traditional circumcisers, who often play other central roles in communities, such as attending childbirths.
• In many settings, health care providers perform FGM due to the belief that the procedure is safer when medicalized.
• The World Health Organisation strongly urges health care providers not to perform FGM.
• FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.
• It reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes.
• It constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women.
• It is nearly always carried out on minors and is a violation of the rights of children.
• The practice also violates a person’s rights to health, security and physical integrity.
• Including the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
• And the right to life when the procedure results in death.
Credit: WHO