Africa: 10 UN Agencies Launch Global Campaign to Eliminate FGM by 2015

Ten United Nations bodies have pledged to end female genital mutilation (FGM) by 2015 in many countries of Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

An estimated 3 million girls are at risk of undergoing the procedure which involves the partial or total removal of external female genital organs that some 140 million women have already endured.

The UN agencies stressed the need for strong leadership and greater resources to protect the health and lives of millions of women and girls.

In a statement, the agencies pledged to support governments and communities to abandon FGM, which remains widespread in many parts of the world, highlighting the damaging effects of the practice on the health of women, girls and newborn babies.

The agencies expressed their concern about the “medicalization” of the practice, whereby it is performed by health professionals in health facilities, and the belief that it enhances a girl’s chastity and chances of marriage by controlling her sexuality.

“We recognize that traditions are often stronger than law, and legal action by itself is not enough,” they said. “Change must also come from within. This is why it is critical for us to join hands and work closely with communities and their leaders so that they can bring about sustainable social change.”

“If we can come together for a sustained push, female genital mutilation can vanish within a generation,” Deputy Secretary General Asha-Rose Migiro, said. “But this goal demands both increased resources and strengthened coordination and cooperation among all of us.”

Pledging their commitment to end the practice are the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), The UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (UNHCHR), the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Source: All Africa – 29 February 2008