African support 'adds weight to UN FGM resolution'

Support from several African countries for a United Nations resolution banning female genital mutilation (FGM) across the world has been welcomed by a campaigner.

According to Emma Bonino, founder of No Peace Without Justice, their backing adds weight to the case for putting a global ban in place, Women's News Network reports.

She acknowledged that a resolution will not be a "miracle solution" to this continuing problem, as it will be impossible to enforce.

However, Ms Bonino said it will act as a "legal tool" that clearly states "what is right and what is wrong".

"It will be particularly important in countries like Mali," she commented.

This, she said, is because a UN resolution will not be seen as a "bizarre idea" favoured by a single person, but as the will of the entire international community.

According to the World Health Organization, the procedure does not offer any health benefits and violates the human rights of females.