HRC61 - Annual high-level panel discussion on human rights mainstreaming

HRC61 - Annual high-level panel discussion on human rights mainstreaming

UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

61st session

Annual high-level panel discussion on human rights mainstreaming

Theme: Role of new and emerging digital technologies in
preventing and eliminating female genital mutilation

23 February 2026

High Commissioner, distinguished Panel,

Female genital mutilation is a grave violation of human rights. Despite progress, over 230 million survivors live with its consequences, and millions are still at risk. FGM reflects deep-rooted gender inequality and is carried out to control girls' and women's bodies and sexuality. It is a harmful practice that must be eliminated everywhere.

Combatting FGM is part of the European Union's broader commitment to ending all forms of sexual and gender-based violence. Within the EU, we have a comprehensive legal framework to combat FGM. The 2024 EU Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence requires Member States to criminalise FGM as a stand-alone offence, strengthen prevention measures, improve support for survivors, and enhance data collection.

At the global level, the EU is also taking decisive action to eliminate sexual and gender-based violence, including FGM. The EU has invested more than 500 million dollars in the UN Spotlight Initiative, which has helped strengthen more than 540 laws and policies, including to ban FGM.

The programme also helps bridge the gender digital divide while leveraging new technologies to combat FGM. It uses online platforms and digital campaigns to raise awareness, challenge harmful norms, and share accurate information. It invests in digital literacy for women and girls, enabling them to access services, participate safely online, and safeguard their privacy. As such it leverages technology to serve as a tool for prevention, protection and empowerment in efforts to eliminate FGM.

The EU will not relent in its efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation worldwide until every woman and every girl can live a free, safe, and dignified life.