200 million girls "harmed" by female genital mutilation - Report


At least 200 million women and girls alive today have undergone female genital mutilation, according to a new statistical report released by the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).

The practice of cutting, also known as FGM, is recognized internationally as a human rights violation.

FGM is carried out in around 30 countries worldwide.

However, half of the 200 million who have been cut live in three countries: Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia.

Girls 14 and younger represent 44 million of those who have undergone what UNICEF has described as "this harmful practice."

FGM comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons.

It can cause severe bleeding and health issues including infections, infertility as well as complications in childbirth and the increased risk of newborn deaths.

On Saturday, the annual International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is being marked.


SOURCE: Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations