The Human Right’s issue that our group has researched is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), also known as female circumcision, which involves removing the entire or partial part of the clitoris. This practice has been around for thousands of years and no one exactly knows when and where this started. FGM is practiced because it is a tradition that is believed to be a positive religious requirement and necessary for the passage to “womanhood”. It "ensures cleanliness and make the woman seem virtuous" . Many communities have put strong rules in place to continue the “tradition”. And if a woman were to deny the circumcision the punishments include: rejections from possible husbands, divorce, or even public embarrassment.
FGM violates the choices women have on what they desire to do with their own body. Human rights activists have tried to make sure that the members of the United Nations ensure the protection and promotion of human rights to the integrity of the person and to the standard of physical and mental health . The practice of FGM is basically tortue put upon these woman. As stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 5 which prohibits torture or inhumane or degrading treatment to anyone, shows that FGM is a huge human right issue.
Examples of Organizations that are trying to solve the issue of Female Genital Mutilation are The United Nations, The Department of Women’s Health, and The World Health Organization, African Activism Against Female Circumcision,Mariam Nduku, and Fauziya Kassindja; are just some of the organizations that are trying to end FGM. There are many ways to take on the problem of FGM, some people/organizations are educating young girls about FGM and trying to teach them that they do have a choice. Others are getting in contact with women/girls in these countries where FGM is done and trying to have them escape promising help when they get somewhere safe. There is a huge concern with FGM.