UN Seeks Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

By Thalif DeenUNITED NATIONS, Feb 9 2016 (IPS)The United Nations says it is determined to end female genital mutilation (FGM) – a ritual practiced mostly in Africa, the Middle East, parts of Asia and even among some migrant communities in Europe.And the world body’s determination is being backed with facts, figures — and a global campaign by a Joint Programme against FGM initiated by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the UN children’s agency UNICEF. As the world body commemorated International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: “I am proud to be among so many champions in the cause of eliminating female genital mutilation.”Since 2007, more than a dozen countries have enacted measures to tackle FGM and more than 950 legal cases have been prosecuted.“And today, nearly all countries where it is prevalent outlaw the practice. We are working to extend that legal protection everywhere,” he said.As of now, more than 110,000 doctors, nurses and midwives have received training on the need to eliminate the practice.The number of women benefiting from valuable services supported by the UN’s Joint Programme more than doubled over the past year — to over 820,000.And over the last ten years, budgeting to fight FGM has increased by 600 percent, according to the United Nations.By 2011, the African Union led the way calling for a General Assembly resolution to eliminate FGM. By 2012, UN established an International Day (Feb 6) for Z...
Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - Category: Global & Universal Authors: Tags: Editors' Choice Featured Gender Global Global Governance Headlines Health Human Rights IPS UN: Inside the Glasshouse Poverty & SDGs TerraViva United Nations Source Type: news