On this International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, France demands an end to this intolerable form of violence without further delay. It is an unacceptable attack on the physical integrity and fundamental rights of women and girls. That makes it a human rights violation, which France condemns in the strongest possible terms.
Throughout the world, France defends the right to have control over one’s own body. It is an inalienable right that is fundamental to women’s freedom, life and health, and the full realization of gender equality.
To advocate for the rights of women and girls and gender equality, France is strongly committed to pursuing an ambitious feminist foreign policy. On September 25, 2024, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot reminded the UN General Assembly of France’s commitment to the protection of sexual and reproductive rights and health at a meeting he co-chaired with other countries that have adopted a feminist diplomacy and foreign policy.
France stands with civil society stakeholders and the UN in their fight against female genital mutilation. Since 2019, we have supported the Joint UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and UNICEF Accelerate the Change initiatives. Since 2020, the Support Fund for Feminist Organizations (FSOF) has also provided backing for a number of projects aimed at eradicating this harmful practice in several countries. A new program will soon be launched to support a large-scale effort to prevent these mutilations.
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