What is UNFPAs approach to FGM/FGC?
UNFPA addresses the practice of FGM/FGC not only because of its harmful impact on the reproductive and sexual health of women, but also because it is a violation of women’s fundamental human rights. The basis for a rights approach is the affirmation that human well-being and health is influenced by the way a person is valued, respected and given the choice to decide on the direction of her/his life without discrimination, coercion or neglect of attention. UNFPA addresses FGM/FGC in a holistic manner, within its cultural and religious context; however cultural arguments can not be used to condone harmful practices such as FGM/FGC.
