The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says that female genital mutilation (FGM) is a form of discrimination and violence against women.
In a post shared today (Saturday, March 28) on X, the UN agency stated that to protect human rights and the right to bodily autonomy, action must be taken to end FGM.
According to the organization, FGM involves altering or injuring the female genital organs for non-medical reasons, and it is internationally recognized as a violation of human rights.
UNFPA estimates that 230 million girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM and continue to live with its harmful psychological, physical, and sexual health consequences.
The agency reports that FGM has been documented in 94 countries; however, in one-third of these countries, the practice has declined over the past three decades. It added that currently, one in three girls in these countries undergo FGM, compared to one in two in the past.
UNFPA also noted that this year, nearly 4.5 million girls are at risk of undergoing FGM.
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