UN Women to Liberia: "No Compromise" on FGM Ban

The United Nations has urged Liberia's government to immediately outlaw female genital mutilation (FGM). UN Women's representative in Liberia, Comfort Lamptey, delivered the message directly to the country's lawmakers. She called for the swift passage of the proposed Women and Girls Protection Bill. Lamptey stressed there should be "no compromise" in banning the practice. FGM involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is recognized internationally as a human rights violation. The statement places Liberia at a critical point for women's rights. A new law would formally criminalize FGM nationwide. The push for legislation comes as Liberia faces increasing international pressure to end the practice. Many activists see the current parliamentary session as a key test.