On Monday 19 November 2018, the Third Committee approved a consensus draft seeking to intensify global efforts to end female genital mutilation. By the resolution’s terms, the Assembly called on States to implement comprehensive prevention strategies and punitive measures. The resolution recognize that female genital mutilation constitutes irreparable, irreversible harm and act of violence against women and girls that impairs and undermines the enjoyment of their human rights.

The resolution stresses that the empowerment of women and girls is key to breaking the cycle of discrimination and violence and for the promotion and protection of human rights, including the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of mental and physical health, including sexual and reproductive health,

It would also urge members’ states to address the medicalization of female genital mutilation, including by ensuring that health‑care providers are aware of its harmful effects and held accountable.

Taking note of the report of the secretary General, the resolution calls upon the international community to strongly support, including through increased financial support, a third phase of the Joint Programme on Female Genital Mutilation: Accelerating Change of the United Nations Population Fund and the United Nations Children’s Fund, as well as national programmes focused on the elimination of female genital mutilation.

Read the full resolution via this link.