The Fight Against Female Genital Mutilation in International Human Rights Law: The Contribution of the Joint General Comment by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child

ABSTRACT: The Joint General Comment on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child adopts a holistic approach by addressing FGM as both a child rights and women’s rights issue. It strengthens State Parties’ obligations beyond criminalization, urging policies that challenge gender norms, promote equality, and dismantle power dynamics that perpetuate FGM. This intersectional framework engages diverse sectors, including education and healthcare, to combat the practice. Moving beyond a narrow focus on legal prohibitions, the General Comment encompasses legislative, institutional, medical, psychosocial, cross-border, and humanitarian dimensions. It emphasizes prevention, protection, victim support, accountability, and international cooperation, offering a comprehensive strategy to eradicate FGM while advancing gender equality and human rights.