Greater Manchester Mayor welcomes UN chief's condemnation of female genital mutilation

I Stand Against Female Genital Mutilation

As United Nations Population Fund chief Babatunde Osotimehin describes female genital mutilation as child abuse, saying the custom should stop, Greater Manchester’s Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “I have always condemned the barbaric practice of female genital mutilation as abuse – pure and simple.

"The United Nations has always been clear that female genital mutilation is not acceptable and is committed to eliminating the practice across the globe, so I’m pleased that UN chief Babatunde Osotimehin has spoken out on this issue, describing it as child abuse for the first time.

“Female genital mutilation is a secretive practice that sadly does exist within our communities here in Greater Manchester. I’m committed to continuing work with police, councils, health, education and voluntary organisations to shine a light on this issue, educate frontline workers and communities, and ultimately, protect our children.”

It is the first time the UN has used the term ‘child abuse’ to describe FGM, usually referring to the practice as a human rights violation.

It is estimated that 24,000 girls are at risk across the country, and more than 200 million have undergone the procedure world-wide.

If you have been affected by female genital mutilation, help and support is available at:

www.gmvictims.org.uk/fgm