The migration processes in the world lead to a mixing of cultures, the transfer of social norms from traditional cultures to modern ones and do not always positively affect society. Among the problems faced by developed states that receive migrants from third-world countries, in recent years, the protection of women’s and girls’ rights in the field of reproductive health stands out. Despite the universal aspiration to eradicate this practice through new laws and coercive intervention, female genital mutilation is an integral part of the culture of many communities. In the context of the development of humanism and equality, FGM appears to be a problem that violates human rights.
FGM is not only unhealthy, but it also harms girls and women in various ways. According to Kandala and Komba (2018), long-term consequences of FGM include urinary disorders and recurrent urinary tract infections, menstrual pain and delayed menses, sexual dysfunctions, including dyspareunia, decreased, and high rates of maternal and perinatal mortality. Moreover, women undergoing such surgeries have psychological impairments that manifest as depression, dismay, post-traumatic stress disorder, and low self-esteem. Thus, FGM seriously affects the physical and mental well-being of a large part of the population of countries where this practice persists.
The practice of female genital mutilation is internationally recognized as a violation of the girls’ and women’s rights. FGM is unequivocally condemned by the UN, WHO, UNICEF, and many other authoritative international organizations. In addition to related statements, resolutions, and reports, a strategy has been adopted to prevent such interventions by health care providers. According to 18 U.S. Code § 116 – Female genital mutilation (n.d.), female genital mutilation is forbidden by U.S. federal law. At the same time, state legislation also regulates this issue. Minnesota Statutes (2020) prohibits performing Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3 female genital mutilation unless medically necessary and performed by a licensed or certified medical professional. Such practices violate the human rights to health, safety, and bodily integrity and the right not to be tortured and ill-treated.
In addition to reflecting deep-seated inequalities between the sexes and being an utmost form of discrimination against females, FGM is also a disturbance of children’s rights. Kandala and Komba (2018) state that these operations are almost always carried out among minors. In many communities that practice FGM, this is seen as a way to be accepted for marriage. Many girls are at risk of early marriage after experiencing FGM, especially in Africa. In turn, child marriages are recognized worldwide as a violation of the child’s rights and are forbidden by law. Therefore, FGM is a type of discrimination based on both gender and age.
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the practice of FGM. According to The Lancet Public Health (2021), blocking and societal distancing have led to widespread school closures, leaving many girls without adequate education and social interaction. Because of a pandemic, many girls were isolated from their sources of help since schools provide girls with protection. Thus, although international organizations and national governments are trying to reduce the impact and ubiquity of FGM, especially in Africa, the pandemic has slowed down this process.
In conclusion, FGM is a disturbance of human rights, so the international community should adopt an official document to prevent and combat violence against females and domestic violence and implement its provisions into criminal legislation. Moreover, it is vital to establish interaction between government bodies, public organizations, and medical institutions to defend women’s rights. A national legal mechanism should be set to protect the rights of womankind from any form of violence, which will include both normative and institutional elements.
References
18 U.S. Code § 116 – Female genital mutilation. (n.d.). Web.
Kandala, N.-B. & Komba, P. (2018). Female genital mutilation around the world: Analysis of medical aspects, law and practice. Springer International Publishing.
Minnesota Statutes. (2020). Web.
The Lancet Public Health. (2021). COVID-19 hindering progress against female genital mutilation. The Lancet Public Health, 6(3), E136. Web.