UN adopts first resolution ever against female genital mutilation

The resolution urged states to take "all necessary measures" and enact and enforce legislation banning female genital mutilation and to "protect women and girls from this form of violence, and to end impunity."   It said punitive measures against violators should be accompanied with educational activities. States should provide health care and psychological assistance to women and girls who have been subjected to mutilation, the General Assembly said.

 

Amnesty International praised the UN decision as crucial step in the fight against female genital mutilation (FGM), calling it a"grotesque" practice.

 

"The UN resolution places FGM in a human rights framework and calls for a holistic approach" to ban the practice, said Jose LuisDiaz, Amnesty International's representative in New York.

 

Amnesty said an estimated 3 million girls in nearly 30 countries are affected by FGM every year. The operation is often performed on young girls as they come of age, and can cause huge problems in child bearing and sexual relations. Death can result from the operation if it is performed with unclean tools.//DPA