UN General Assembly adopts resolution to ban female genital mutilation

The UN General Assembly has adopted for the first time a resolution to ban female genital mutilation internationally. The resolution urged states to take “all necessary measures” and enact and enforce legislation banning female genital mutilation and to “protect women and girls from this form of violence, and to end impunity.” It said punitive measures against violators should be accompanied with educational activities. States should provide health care and psychological assistance to women and girls who have been subjected to mutilation, the General Assembly said.

Australian experts have welcomed the news but also asked if labiaplasty should also be considered a form of mutilation.