Mogadishu, 2 October 2018 – We are shocked by the deaths of three young girls who died recently in Somalia from complications associated with female genital mutilation (FGM). UNFPA condemns these unnecessary and avoidable deaths. 

FGM is a violent practice, scarring girls for life; endangering their health, depriving them of their rights, and denying them the chance to reach their full potential. We need to do more to encourage communities and families in Somalia to abandon FGM. We need laws in place that criminalize the practice. We need to support and empower girls in Somalia to make their voices heard and call out for an end to FGM.

FGM reflects and reinforces the discrimination against women and girls, perpetuating a vicious cycle that is detrimental to their development and progress.

There simply is no place for FGM in the future we are striving to create; a future where every girl in Somalia will grow up able to experience her inherent dignity, human rights and equality.

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For more information please contact UNFPA Somalia Communications, Partnerships & Donor Relations Specialist Pilirani Semu-Banda on e-mail: semu-banda@unfpa.org