Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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February 6, 2026 Human rights
Female genital mutilation violates the human rights to life, health, and bodily integrity and causes irreparable harm to more than 230 million women and girls worldwide. An additional 23 million girls are at risk of suffering from this practice in the near future.
About this in International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation the UN Secretary-General recalled Antonio Guterres.
It is estimated that in 2026 alone, approximately 4.5 million girls, many of them under five years old, may be subjected to the procedure, sometimes known as female genital mutilation.
Serious consequences
"This custom is rooted in the same gender biases that limit girls' access to education, restrict women's employment opportunities, and limit their participation in public life," the UN chief said in his message. "The world has committed to ending this dangerous practice by 2030."
The heads of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), UN Women, the World Health Organization, UNESCO, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stressed in a joint statement that female genital mutilation cannot be justified under any circumstances.
This practice causes serious harm to the physical and mental health of girls and women, leads to severe lifelong complications, and the annual cost of their treatment is estimated at approximately $1.4 billion.
There is progress, but it is not enough.
As the statement notes, efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation have begun to yield results over the past three decades. Nearly two-thirds of the population in countries where the practice is widespread now support its elimination. Since 1990, in countries and regions where female genital mutilation is practiced, the proportion of girls undergoing the procedure has decreased from one in two to one in three.
However, the UN emphasizes that this is still not enough to achieve the goal. Sustainable Development Agenda – complete cessation of mutilating surgeries by 2030.
Investments bring huge returns
UN agencies note that effective solutions are well known. These include health education, the engagement of religious and community leaders, parents, and health workers, and the use of traditional and social media. Supporting grassroots initiatives, including youth and community networks, is particularly important.
Equally important is assistance to victims – access to medical care, psychosocial support and legal services tailored to the specific context.
According to the UN, every dollar invested in the fight against FGM yields a tenfold return. An investment of $2.8 billion could prevent 20 million cases of female genital mutilation and generate economic returns of $28 billion.
Risk of rollback
As 2030 approaches, the gains of recent decades are under threat. Funding cuts are already limiting prevention and support options for those affected.
Of additional concern is the growing arguments for the so-called "medicalization" of FGM—attempts to justify its performance by medical professionals, ostensibly to reduce harm. The UN emphasizes that such approaches create new obstacles to the complete elimination of the practice.
Without sustainable and predictable funding, there is a risk of community-based programmes being scaled back, primary services being weakened and progress being lost.
“Getting to zero will require sustained political commitment – and continued investment,” António Guterres stressed.
The UN reaffirms its commitment to working with local and international partners – public and private – to end this practice once and for all.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.