Female Genital Mutilation in Iraqi Kurdistan

“They Took Me and Told Me Nothing” 
Female Genital Mutilation in Iraqi Kurdistan 

A traditional midwife in Iraqi Kurdistan holds ashes that are sifted and applied to the wound after a girl has undergone
female genital mutilation.
© 2009 Samer Muscati/Human Rights Watch

"According to the World Health Organization, “Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.”Female genital mutilation violates the rights of women to life, health and bodily integrity, non-discrimination, and the right not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment. In addition, since the practice predominantly affects girls under 18, it also violates children’s rights to health, life, physical integrity, and non-discrimination."

The quote is taken from the HRW report below

www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/wrd0610webwcover.pdf

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23933437