Although many States have intensified their efforts in the direction of eradication, the follow continues internationally partially due to “the clandestine nature of cross-border and transnational FGM,” it stated.
“Female genital mutilation is part of a continuum of gender-based violence and has no place in a human rights-respecting universe,” said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk.
“It must be eliminated in all of its forms, and the gender stereotypes and patriarchal norms that anchor and perpetuate it uprooted.”
Millions in danger
An estimated 4.3 million women had been prone to being subjected to FGM in 2023, in accordance to the report, which was based mostly on in-depth desk analysis and submissions from States and civil society organizations world wide.
More than 600,000 ladies within the European Union are thought to be residing with the results of FGM, which the World Health Organization (WHO) defines as “all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons”.
It is principally carried out on younger women between infancy and age 15.
“The practice has no health benefits for girls and women and cause severe bleeding and problems urinating, and later cysts, infections, as well as complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths,” WHO added.
‘Vacation cutting’ throughout faculty holidays
The report stated so-called “vacation cutting” is when households, significantly in Europe and North America, take their daughters to their international locations and communities of origin to bear FGM throughout faculty holidays.
In sure instances, women are reportedly taken to international locations that function “transnational FGM hubs”. In some instances, it’s the “cutters” who transfer throughout borders to perform the dangerous process.
The report recognized cross-border and transnational actions for the needs of FGM, world wide. It stated that women and younger ladies residing in border communities are significantly susceptible given border areas typically host communities with cultural and ethnic ties that transcend nationwide borders.
Address root causes
“States around the globe have made human rights commitments to eradicate FGM and to advance gender equality,” stated Mr. Türk.
“They should ensure a joined-up global approach that addresses the root causes and the consequences of FGM, by among others harmonising their legal and policy frameworks and ensuring their implementation, if they are to truly meet their commitments to end this harmful practice everywhere.”
The report referred to as for higher regional and worldwide cooperation in the direction of eradication.
Measures urged embody allocating enough assets in the direction of the institution and implementation of regional coverage frameworks and cooperation agreements to handle the cross-border scourge, and to assist survivors.