Million of Girls Still at Risk as UN Leaders Warn Against Complacency on Female Genital Mutilation

More than four million girls remain at risk of female genital mutilation this year, many of them under the age of five, according to a joint statement issued by senior United Nations leaders to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. Despite decades of progress, the practice continues to threaten the health, rights and futures of millions of girls worldwide.

In 2026 alone, an estimated 4.5 million girls face the risk of undergoing female genital mutilation, while more than 230 million girls and women are already living with its consequences. The UN leaders reaffirmed their collective commitment to ending the practice for every girl and woman at risk, and to ensuring survivors can access quality and appropriate services.

The statement, issued by the heads of UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women, World Health Organization, UNESCO and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stresses that female genital mutilation is a clear violation of human rights and cannot be justified under any circumstances. It causes severe physical and mental harm and can lead to lifelong complications, with global treatment costs estimated at around USD 1.4 billion each year.

While the scale of the challenge remains vast, the statement highlights meaningful progress. Nearly two thirds of people living in countries where the practice is prevalent now support its elimination. After years of slow change, progress has accelerated, with half of all gains since 1990 achieved in the past decade. The proportion of girls subjected to female genital mutilation has fallen from one in two to one in three, demonstrating that sustained interventions can shift deeply rooted social norms.

UN leaders emphasised that proven strategies already exist. Health education, engagement with religious and community leaders, parents and health workers, as well as the use of traditional and social media, have all contributed to changing attitudes. Community-led movements, including grassroots and youth networks, have played a critical role, alongside education delivered through schools and community-based platforms. Supporting survivors through access to health care, psychosocial services and legal assistance remains equally essential.

The economic case for action is also clear. Every dollar invested in ending female genital mutilation delivers a tenfold return. An estimated USD 2.8 billion investment could prevent 20 million cases and generate USD 28 billion in returns, according to the statement.

However, the leaders warned that progress is fragile. As 2030 approaches, funding cuts and declining international investment in health, education and child protection programmes are already undermining prevention efforts and support for survivors. At the same time, a growing pushback against elimination efforts, including claims that the practice is acceptable if carried out by medical professionals, risks reversing hard-won gains. Without predictable and adequate financing, community outreach programmes may be scaled back, frontline services weakened and millions more girls placed at risk.

The statement concludes with a renewed commitment to work with local and global public and private partners, including survivors themselves, to end female genital mutilation once and for all.

For Africa, where many of the most affected communities are located, the message is both urgent and hopeful. The continent has shown that change is possible when communities lead, when girls are educated and when investment is sustained. Africa’s nations are young, resilient and still shaping their social futures. Protecting girls from harmful practices is not only a human rights obligation but a foundation for healthier, stronger societies that can carry their traditions forward without harm.

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