THE RESPONSE OF HUMAN RIGHTS LAW TO THE PRACTICE OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) or female circumcision is a traditional practice among various tribes in Africa including Nigeria. This paper highlights the pros and cons of the practice. The practitioners argued for its continuation because it was an important cultural heritage that marks the transition of a girl from childhood to adulthood while the abolitionists want it to be abolished because it violates human rights. A doctrinal method of research is used to look into the veracity of the arguments on both sides. The prevailing opinion is that FGM or female circumcision violates both constitutionally guaranteed rights like rights to life, health, physical integrity, dignity, etc and human rights treaties and Conventions like United Nations Charter, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Maputo Protocol, etc. In view of this, the paper recommends that the practice should be abolished.