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Culture alone fails to account for female genital mutilation

By Torrey Hullum

Yifat Susskind [MADRE Policy and Communications Director]: "The report by Human Rights Watch on female genital mutilation (FGM) in Kurdistan reveals the troubling reality facing women and girls compelled to undergo the procedure. Human Rights Watch references specifically the failure of the Kurdistan Regional Government to take seriously the issue of FGM and to enact legislation to curb the practice. In investigating this issue, many have sought to demonstrate that Islam does not require this practice and that most Muslims practice their faith without FGM. Others have countered with the reverse, claiming that FGM forms an essential part of traditional culture. This debate about whether or not FGM is "cultural"

Full post as published by JURIST - Hotline on June 20, 2010 (boomark / email).