Summary

The present report is submitted pursuant to Human Rights Council resolution 50/16. It provides an overview of the situation of women and girls affected by cross-border and transnational female genital mutilation, and of the efforts made by States and other stakeholders to tackle the practice. The human rights framework provides States with a road map for developing effective laws, policies, programmes and other initiatives, including through international and regional cooperation, to prevent and address cross-border and transnational female genital mutilation.

The report reaffirms that female genital mutilation constitutes a human rights violation and a form of gender-based violence against women and girls that is inherently linked to deep-rooted gender inequality and stereotypes. The report highlights the need to strengthen data collection, harmonize legal and policy frameworks, and strengthen regional and international cooperation and systematic coordination among States and other key stakeholders, including civil society, to tackle cross-border and transnational female genital mutilation.