Agency wants law passed against genital mutilation

Irish development agency Comhlamh is appealing to the Government to introduce specific legislation against female genital mutilation.

Up to 132 million women have been subjected to the practice, which is still carried out in many African and Middle Eastern countries.

Comhlamh spokesperson, Majella Darcy, says that over 95% of women in some countries are subjected to the practice, much of which may be carried out in unhygienic circumstances by untrained personnel.

Comhlamh maintains that, apart from the violation of human rights that female circumcision represents, it broadcasts a message condoning the subordination and oppression of women.