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Girls undergoing FGM are blindfolded
The United Nations describes female bad mutilation (FGM) as a heinous violation of human rights affecting women and girls around the world.
According to the UN, more than 200 million women and girls alive today have undergone female bad mutilation in 30 countries on three continents.
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Without concerted and accelerated action, an additional 68 million girls could be subjected to this harmful practice by 2030.
This practice includes all procedures involving the modification or injury of the female badia for non-medical reasons. It is internationally recognized as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.
It reflects deeply entrenched inequality between the bades and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women and girls.
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The practice has been going on for more than 1,000 years and mainly concerns young girls when they do not have the choice to make their wishes heard – some time between the early childhood age and the young age. 15 years old.
Risks involved
It also poses risks to women's ability to have children safely and successfully, as female bad mutilation greatly increases the risk of maternal complications and neonatal deaths for their babies.
In Ghana, parts of the north, north-east, north-west, Brong Ahafo and Volta regions are remarkable places where practice continues.
The current national prevalence is about 4%, but the regional prevalence, particularly in parts of the northern, northeastern and northwestern regions, may be higher due to some reported cases of FGM. in some communities.
On December 20, 2012, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution (A / RES / 67/146) that "calls upon States, the United Nations system, civil society and all stakeholders to continue to Observe the 6th of February as the International Day of Zero ". Tolerance against female bad mutilation and take advantage of this day to strengthen awareness campaigns and take concrete action against female bad mutilation ".
Sustainable development
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which focuses on gender equality, calls for the elimination of female bad mutilation by 2030.
Studies also indicate that in Ghana, the prevalence rate in the 1990s reached 77%, but that it was drastically reduced due to advocacy and awareness activities undertaken.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Gender, Childhood and Welfare to mark this year's event, Sector Minister, Mrs. Cynthia Mamle Morrison, said that it was unfortunate that the practice continues in the dark, despite the many campaigns in recent years.
She called on the government, parliamentarians, religious leaders, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, the media, as well as youth organizations, faith-based organizations and community-based organizations to keep up their efforts. to end "this horrible act benefit the health of women and children".
She urged the security forces not to hesitate to prosecute anyone caught in the act, as Law No. 741 of the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana on Female Genital Mutilation, entitled Criminal Code (amendment) of 2007, provides for the imprisonment and / or imposition of fines both for the person who practices circumcision and for those who request, incite or encourage excision by providing money, property or moral support.
Secretary-General of the United Nations
In another statement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that "with strong political commitment, we are seeing success in a number of countries. But this progress is not enough to keep pace with population growth. If we do not act now, the number of cases will continue to increase.
He stressed that sustainable development can not be achieved without full respect for the human rights of women and girls, stressing that the UN has joined forces with global, regional and national actors to support global and regional initiatives. integrated to achieve this objective.
"Thanks to strong political commitment, we are seeing positive change in many countries.
However, if current trends persist, these advances will continue to be overwhelmed by rapid population growth, where practice is concentrated.
"On this Day of Zero Tolerance, I call for increased, concerted and comprehensive action to end female bad mutilation and fully support the human rights of all women and girls," she said. -he declares.
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