More than 4.5 million girls, many under the age of five, are at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM) in 2026, according to a joint statement released Friday by United Nations agencies.
The statement, issued on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM by the heads of UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women, WHO, UNESCO, and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, showing that over 230 million girls and women worldwide are living with the consequences of the harmful practice.
“Female genital mutilation is a violation of human rights and cannot be justified on any grounds,” the statement said. “It compromises girls’ and women’s physical and mental health and can lead to lifelong complications, with treatment costs estimated at $1.4 billion a year.”
The UN leaders said progress has been made over the last three decades, with nearly two-thirds of people in countries where FGM is prevalent supporting its elimination. The number of girls subjected to FGM has fallen from one in two in 1990 to one in three today, with half of these gains occurring in the past decade.
“Health education, community engagement, and the involvement of trusted leaders and media are proven strategies to end this practice,” the statement said. “Investing in grassroots and youth networks and ensuring survivors have access to health care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance is critical.”
The UN warned that progress is at risk as global funding and support decline. Cuts to health, education, and child protection programs, combined with arguments justifying FGM when performed by medical professionals, could reverse gains and place millions more girls at risk.
“Every dollar invested in ending FGM yields a tenfold return,” the statement said, noting that $2.8 billion in funding could prevent 20 million cases and generate $28 billion in investment returns.
The UN leaders called for renewed commitment from governments, donors, and local communities to end FGM by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
