A costed regional Action Plan to end cross-border Female Genital Mutilation(FGM) in the East African region countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, and Ethiopia has been launched. The plan was launched alongside a research study to assess the status of FGM in cross-border areas. This follows a declaration made in April 2019 during a meeting between ministers from the six countries to strengthen coordination to eliminate FGM and, in particular, the cross-border dimensions.
The action plan proposes the development of a comprehensive programme of action aimed at strengthening the urgent work of implementing regional human rights instruments to fully end FGM, as well as formulation of laws that will uphold human rights and total elimination of FGM.
county commissioners from Uganda and Kenya sign a declaration to end cross-border female genital mutilation.
Speaking during the launch, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Public Service and Gender Affairs, Prof. Margaret Kobia noted that the Action Plan constitutes a framework at the regional level for State and non-State actors to enhance prevention, protection, response and prosecution programmes in ending cross border FGM. The Action Plan which also sets out a regional mechanism that will support regional, international and national efforts.
“UNFPA remains committed to supporting the joint efforts to end cross border FGM and we are ready to accelerate the action plan. We are the generation that will end FGM and gender inequality,” said UNFPA Regional Director a.i, Dr. Bannet Ndyanabangi.
the virtual launch of the costed regional action plan to end cross-border
The Action Plan will actualize the decision of the 32nd Session of the African Union Heads of State and Government Summit of February 2019 known as the “Saleema Initiative”, which is a continental-wide effort to accelerate action to end the practice of FGM, the African Union Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goal 5.3 of eradicating harmful cultural practices and other international and regional human rights instruments that address FGM. For Kenya, the Action Pplan will strengthen the President’s directive to end FGM by 2022.
“Ethiopia recognises that FGM is a complex and dynamic issue. The documents we launch today are critical instruments that will provide deeper insight and recommendations to inform our Action Pplan to end FGM,” said Ethiopia’s Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Dr. Ergoge Tesfay.
