On the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a powerful statement condemning the practice as a “horrific act of gender-based violence” and calling for immediate global action to eradicate it.
According to the UN, more than 230 million girls and women worldwide are survivors of this harmful practice, which remains one of the most brutal manifestations of gender inequality. The Secretary-General highlighted the severe physical and mental harm inflicted by FGM, emphasizing its life-threatening health risks and its violation of the rights of women and girls to autonomy, safety, and dignity.
“Eradicating this vicious human rights violation is urgent, and it is possible,” the statement read.
While progress has been made, the UN chief stressed the need to accelerate efforts, urging governments, grassroots organizations, and survivors to strengthen partnerships. He called for dismantling harmful attitudes, beliefs, and gender stereotypes that sustain the practice.
The Secretary-General also referenced the Pact for the Future, an agreement reached at the United Nations last September. This commitment by Member States aims to eliminate FGM by tackling negative social norms and gender discrimination, ensuring a safer and more equitable future for all women and girls.
“We must pick up the pace,” Guterres urged. “Let’s join forces to make female genital mutilation history and ensure a brighter, healthier, and more just future for all women and girls everywhere.”
With just five years remaining before the 2030 target to end FGM, the UN is calling on nations to take decisive action to uphold the rights and dignity of millions of women and girls across the world.