Two million extra cases of FGM likely over next 10 years due to Covid, UN warns

UN leaders say FGM would not be carried out if we had true gender equality

Unicef, which helps children around the world, said the expected surge in cases is driven by schools closing and NGO services which protect girls from the damaging procedure also shutting their doors

Two million extra cases of female genital mutilation are likely to take place over the next ten years due to the coronavirus crisis, a United Nations agency has warned.

Unicef, which helps children around the world, said the expected surge in cases is driven by schools closing and NGO services which protect girls from the damaging procedure also shutting their doors.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), internationally recognised as a human rights violation, refers to any procedure that intentionally alters female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The procedure is often carried out without anaesthesia and can cause a lifetime of severe health problems and pain.