UN Human Rights Council adopts Resolution on the elimination of female genital mutilation.

The UN Human Rights Council adopted on 1 July 2016 a Resolution on the elimination of female genital mutilation. The Resolution recognises FGM as an act of violence against women and girls and urges Member States to place special emphasis on education of youth, parents and religious, traditional and community leaders and especially to encourage men and boys to become more involved in information and awareness-raising campaigns and to become agents of change.

The Human Rights Council also urges States to adopt national legislation prohibiting FGM and to take steps to ensure its strict application, as well as develop, support and promote education programmes including on sexual and reproductive health that challenge the negative stereotypes and harmful attitudes and practices that sustain FGM and gender-based violence and discrimination.

States are called to increase technical and financial assistance for the effective implementation of policies, programmes and action plans and the international community is encouraged devote special attention to the issue of FGM in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The need for systematic collection of data and financial support for research on FGM is also highlighted.