International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

The European Union (EU) has been told it must act to curb female genital mutilation around the world.

MEPs recently voted in favour of taking steps to curb the practice, but Amnesty International has said they have to go beyond words and take firm action.

Dr Christine Loudes, spokeswoman for the group, commented: "Empowerment of women and girls requires effective long-term engagement of the EU."

She said that while the recent vote on the issue represents a "show of commitment" from the international body, it needs to act before "more girls and women are exposed to this human rights violation".

According to figures from the European Parliament, about 180,000 females across the continent are in danger of female genital mutilation.

Estimates also suggest that approximately half a million women and girls who live in Europe have already been victims of the procedure and are now living with the consequences.

Dr Loudes has argued that a holistic approach to tackling the issue needs to be adopted, as legislation alone is not the solution.

Posted by Alexandra George