UN's endorsement of resolution on female genital mutilation hailed as 'first'

A resolution against female genital mutilation (FGM) has been endorsed by the UN general assembly in a move hailed by Amnesty International. Today’s result was a first for the UN’s general assembly.

Amnesty International’s UN representative in New York José Luis Díaz said:

“This an important moment for everyone engaged in the fight against FGM - and most particularly for all the girls and women who have been affected by this grotesque practice.

“The UN resolution places FGM in a human rights framework and calls for a holistic approach, stressing as it does the importance of empowerment of women, promotion and protection of sexual and reproductive health, and breaking the cycle of discrimination and violence.”

Every year FGM affects up to three million girls in nearly 30 countries.