The new provisional constitution of Somalia has banned the controversial practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Research has shown that in Somalia 96% of women typically undergo the more extreme forms of the practice and therefore the move has been welcomed by many human rights groups in the country. The provision within the new constitution states, “Circumcision of girls is a cruel and degrading customary practice, and is tantamount to torture. The circumcision of girls is prohibited”.
However, it has also been noted that a constitutional provision alone will not be enough to end the practice in Somalia. A women’s advocate in the country stated that, “the fact that the new provisional constitution outlaws the circumcision of girls is a welcome development, but this will require education, awareness-raising and strong legal provisions. Without this, the provision will be little more than ink on a piece of paper”.