Regional Accountability Framework to End FGM in Southeast Asia
A coordinated regional approach bringing governments, service providers, communities, and partners together to end female genital mutilation and uphold the rights of girls and women across Southeast Asia.
Highlights
An estimated 80 million girls and women in Asia have undergone some form of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), 35% of all cases globally. Governments, United Nations agencies, civil society organizations and regional networks in Southeast Asia are collaborating to end female genital mutilation/cutting in South-East Asia and support achievement of SDG 5.3 on elimination of all harmful practices. Female genital mutilation/cutting is recognized internationally as a violation of girls and women’s human rights, a form of discrimination against girls and women, and a harmful practice. The practice has no health benefits for girls and women and is associated with a wide range of health complications that can span a lifetime. All forms of FGM/C are harmful, and the risk of harm is even greater with more severe forms of FGM/C. The Regional Accountability Framework to end FGM/C in Southeast Asia and its addendum for South Asia represent a landmark effort to unify all key stakeholders under a shared vision. By systematizing efforts through a synchronized plan and a collective results-tracking mechanism, UNICEF, UNFPA and partners are transforming individual actions into a cohesive movement to end FGM/C in Asia.
