Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a grave human rights violation which is perpetuated by families in the name of culture, tradition and religion. The World Health Organisation estimates that globally from 100 to 140 million girls and women have undergone some type of FGM. It has been estimated that currently, about three million girls, most of them under 15 years of age, undergo the procedure every year. The majority of FGM takes place in 28 African countries but many immigrant communities continue the practice in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.
The practice of FGM is an international problem. Numerous international human rights laws and conferences have highlighted the need to eliminate this practice. FGM violates the human rights of women and girls, causing them physical and psychological
harm. It also denies them the enjoyment of the highest attainable level of sexual and reproductive health. Steps have been taken by the UK parliament to discourage FGM, for example, the government introduced a new Law on FGM in 2003 to demonstrate
its commitment to preventing the occurrence of FGM in the UK, but to date there have been no convictions under this law.