HRC47 - EU Intervention: High-level panel discussion on the multisectoral prevention of and response, including the global response, to female genital mutilation

Madam President,

In line with a multi-year engagement to fight Female genital mutilation, all EU member States support resolution 44/16 and convening this high-level panel discussion.

We reiterate once again our strong commitment to eliminate the practice of FGM worldwide, as a form of sexual and gender-based violence that has long-lasting psychological and physical, sometimes even lethal, consequences. The EU remains committed to the promotion, protection and fulfilment of all human rights and to the full and effective implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and the Programme of Action of the ICPD and the outcomes of their review conferences and remains committed to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), in this context. Having that in mind, the EU reaffirms its commitment to the promotion, protection and fulfilment of the right of every individual to have full control over, and decide freely and responsibly on matters related to their sexuality and sexual and reproductive health, free from discrimination, coercion and violence. The EU further stresses the need for universal access to quality and affordable comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information, education, including comprehensive sexuality education, and health-care services. In addition, FGM has a very negative impact on women’s and girls’ empowerment and, as a consequence, on the sustainable development of societies.

The EU is ready to further step up cooperation with third countries and we will continue to prioritise the fight against FGM and other harmful practices, as outlined in our human rights policy, including within our own borders.

In this context, while recalling the primary responsibility of States, we underline the key role of civil society organizations, especially women’s rights organisations, UN agencies and other relevant stakeholders and “enablers of social norm change”.

We strongly encourage the sharing of good practices in developing comprehensive, gender-responsive, human rights-based and intersectional and multisectoral approaches to ensuring the sustainability of international, regional and national efforts to end FGM, including in the context of global crises and economic shocks.

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively and disproportionately affected women and girls, disrupting progress on SDG target 5.3 on the elimination of all harmful practices including FGM. UNFPA estimates that additional 2 million girls are at risk of FGM by 2030. In 2021 alone, 4.16 million girls around the world face this risk and, at the current rates, an estimated 68 million girls will undergo FGM over the next 12 years. These figures should be a wake-up call for the entire international community.

Female genital mutilation jeopardizes the recognition, enjoyment and exercise of women’s and girls’ rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to bodily autonomy. It poses a serious threat to their right to health, including sexual and reproductive health, and to their well-being, physical integrity and mental health.

As underlined by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, “together we can eliminate female genital mutilation by 2030” and “doing so will have a positive ripple effect on the health, education and economic advancement of girls and women”. But we need to redouble our efforts, considering also that the trends of rapid population growth in the world increase the number of girls at risk. With 2030 fast approaching, we believe that advocating for the elimination of traditional harmful practices is now more imperative and urgent than ever.