UN: More Than Four Million Girls at Risk of Female Genital Mutilation by 2026

The United Nations has warned that more than four million girls are at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the current year.

The organization issued the warning on Sunday, February 15, stating that girls under five years old are also threatened by this risk.

In its message, the UN stated: "No girl should be forced to endure the physical harm and lifelong risks resulting from female genital mutilation (FGM)."

FGM refers to any cutting, damaging or altering of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons, typically performed for cultural or traditional purposes.

The practice is prevalent in some countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has described FGM as a clear violation of human rights, stating that it harms the rights to life, health and bodily integrity of women and girls.