Genital mutilation lessens in Africa. (World's Children).The Inter-African Committee to Fight Excision, a body set up by the Organization of African Unity Organization of African Unity (OAU), former international organization, established 1963 at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by 37 independent African nations to promote unity and development; defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of members; eradicate all forms of , said the practice of female genital mutilation female genital mutilation: see circumcision. on the continent has dropped off dramatically in the past 18 years, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. the UN Newswire. The committee says its program to fight the practice has achieved "enormous success" since its launch in 1984. "Female circumcision female circumcision n. Partial or complete removal of the clitoris, prepuce, or labia of a girl or young woman, as practiced among certain cultures, especially in parts of Africa and western Asia. Also called clitoridectomy. was the rule in 30 African countries 18 years ago," said Morissanda Kouyate, director of the committee's operations. "Today, demographic studies have shown that in many nations it has reduced by a third." He added, "This represents an important step forward. Ten years ago, no country would have dared to introduce legislation against female circumcision. Today it is banned in some 12 countries. |
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