UN chief reiterates call for end to female genital mutilation
New York, US (PANA) - The UN Secetary-General, Antonio Guterres, has again condemned female genitcal mutination (FGM) and called for an end to "this flagrant manifestation of gender inequality".
In a message for the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, observed on 6 February, he said with urgent investments and timely action, the world can meet the Sustainable Development Goals target of eliminating female genital mutilation by 2030 and build a world that respects women’s integrity and autonomy.
He stressed that female genital mutilation is an abhorrent human rights violation that causes profound and permanent harm to women and girls around the world.
Every year, over 4 million girls are at risk of this "extreme form of sviolence", Mr. Guterres said, adding that aadly, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on health services and put even more girls in jeopardy.
The UN chief said the United Nations and partners are supporting initiatives to shift the social norms that perpetuate this practice.
"Young people and civil society are making their voices heard. And lawmakers are advancing positive change in many countries," he said.
-0- PANA MA 27Jan2022
