Some 4.4 million girls are at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) this year, the UN Secretary-General warned on Tuesday, appealing for action to stamp out this "egregious violation of fundamental human rights" and give greater voice to survivors.
"Even one mutilation is one too many," António Guterres said in his message to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), observed annually on 6 February.
The UN estimates that globally, more than 200 million women and girls have been subjected to some form of FGM, which involves the removal of or injury to female genitalia for non-medical reasons.
Challenge patriarchal norms
The Secretary-General stressed the need for urgent investments to achieve elimination by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He called for decisive action to tackle the social, economic and political norms that perpetuate discrimination against women and girls, limit their participation and leadership, and restrict their access to education and employment.
"That starts with challenging the patriarchal power structures and attitudes at the root of this abhorrent practice," he said.
Support for survivors
The UN chief urged countries to redouble efforts and investments to uphold the rights of women and girls and put a decisive end to FGM once and for all.
"And we need to amplify the voices of survivors and support their efforts to reclaim their lives, based on their bodily autonomy," he added.
