Genital Mutilation Denies Female Dignity, Inflicts Needless Pain, Even Death, Secretary-General Stresses in Message for International Zero Tolerance Day

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, observed on 6 February:

Female genital mutilation denies women and girls their dignity, endangers their health and causes needless pain and suffering, with consequences that endure for a lifetime and can even be fatal.  Sustainable development demands full human rights for all women and girls.  The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development promises an end to this practice by 2030.  On this Day of Zero Tolerance, let us build on positive momentum and commit to intensifying global action against this heinous human rights violation for the sake of all affected women and girls, their communities and our common future.