U.N. Human Rights Council passes resolution condemning female genital mutilation

The U.N. General Assembly Human Rights Council on Monday adopted by consensus a resolution calling on U.N. member states to condemn female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM) and "launch education campaigns for girls and boys, women and men, to eliminate it," the Associated Press reports. According to the news agency, "It also urges all countries to enact and enforce legislation to prohibit FGM, to protect women and girls 'from this form of violence,' and to end impunity for violators." The resolution has 110 sponsors and "is virtually certain to be approved by the full General Assembly, which is expected to take it up in the second half of December," the AP writes, adding, "Although not legally binding, assembly resolutions reflect international concerns and carry moral and political weight" (Lederer, 11/26).