Accelerate actions aimed at the elimination of FGM, including providing education and information to support full understanding of the gender, health and human rights dimensions of FGM,
Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve the partial or total removal of external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons; the procedure has no health benefits. It is estimated that over 230 million women and girls are living with the effects of FGM . Although it is internationally recognized as a violation of human rights – and legislation to prohibit the practice has been put in place in many countries – evidence from population-based studies from 31 countries suggests that the practice is still prevalent in many countries in Africa and several in Asia and the Middle East. The rise in international migration has also increased the number of women and girls living in the various diaspora populations, including in Europe, North America and Australia, who have undergone or may be at risk of the practice. In May 2008, the World Health Assembly issued Resolution 61.16, which urged Member States to accelerate actions aim...