FGM: 70 million more victims than previously thought
Unicef report estimates 200 million women around the world have been subjected to the procedure
New figures published today by the United Nations' children's charity, Unicef, say the number of women and girls who have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) may be up to 70 million higher than estimated last year.
The report, released to coincide with International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM on 6 February, said up to 200 million procedures have been carried out in 30 countries around the world.
Somalia has the highest rate, with 98 per cent of women experiencing some form of circumcision, followed by Guinea and Djibouti. In terms of numbers, Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia accounted for half of the 200 million victims worldwide.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Claudia Cappa, the lead author of the report, admitted they were surprised by the figures, which were "higher than expected" after researchers gained access to better data in countries where previously they had relied on word-of-mouth reports
"In countries where data was not available, we had previously only had anecdotal evidence," she said. "It shows [FGM] is a global issue, when the focus has previously been on Africa."
Of the 200 million estimated victims, around 44 million were 14 or younger when they underwent the procedure, according to the statistics, the majority being circumcised before the age of five.
"In Yemen, 85 per cent of girls experienced the practice within their first week of life," the report said.
Although the rate at which FGM is carried out has declined significantly in some countries over recent years, population growth means the overall number of victims is still on the rise, says the agency. If current trends continue, 15 million more girls will be subject to the procedure before 2030
FGM has been illegal in the UK since 1985, but 20,000 girls under the age of 15 are thought to be at risk of being circumcised, either within the UK or – more commonly – after being taken to their family's country of origin for the procedure.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The history of Donald Trump's election conspiracy theories
The Explainer How the 2024 Republican nominee has consistently stoked baseless fears of a stolen election
By David Faris Published
-
Two ancient cities have been discovered along the Silk Road
Under the radar The discovery changed what was known about the old trade route
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
'People shouldn't have to share the road with impaired drivers'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published