Female genital mutilation: Evidence brief

Overview

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It reflects deep rooted inequality between the sexes, and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women. It is nearly always carried out on minors and is a violation of the rights of children. The practice also violates a person’s rights to health, security and physical integrity, the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and the right to life when the procedure results in death.