International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

A Colombian indigenous group, the Embera, have said they will stop practising female genital mutilation (FGM).

According to Colombia Reports, the practice was widespread in the community and performed on young girls, reports El Tiempo.

With help from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Embera has decided to suspend FGM and research the cultural origins of it.

UNFPA has been helping the indigenous group to understand the impact on women's human rights that the practice has.

The decision is "of historical importance in the country", said UNFPA Colombia, reports the news provider.

It said the move is a step towards improving the "health and rights of Embera women".

Recently, international charity Unicef called for support to end FGM practices around the world, which are believed to affect around three million girls and women in Africa.

The charity believes intervention programmes can only be successful if they address the needs and wishes of the communities they are implemented in.

Posted by Paul Robertson