On the occasion of the International Day of Zero Tolerance against this scourge, the UN official urged to develop urgent investments to achieve its elimination by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

The United Nations estimates that 200 million women and girls have undergone some form of female genital mutilation worldwide, which involves the removal or injury of female genitalia for non-medical reasons.

In response, the agency’s top official called for decisive action to address the social, economic and political norms that perpetuate discrimination against women and girls, limit their participation and leadership, and restrict their access to education and employment.

“This begins with challenging the patriarchal power structures and attitudes that are at the root of this abhorrent practice,” he said.

At the same time, he called on world leaders to redouble efforts and investments to uphold the rights of women and girls and put an end to female genital mutilation once and for all.

“We need to amplify the voices of survivors and support their efforts to reclaim their lives, based on their bodily autonomy,” he remarked. ef/jav/ro/ebr