Female Genital Mutilation and the Middle East

In general, FGM in Asia and the Middle East is practiced for religious beliefs.  The majority of FGM support comes from Muslim communities.  Laws banning the practice have often not been successful in eliminating it and most countries have not outlawed FGM.

 

 FGM has been found in the following countries, though statistics are not always readily available:

 

• Afghanistan (No national prevalence figures available)

• Indonesia (No national prevalence figures available - Types I and IV)

• Iran (No national prevalence figures available)

• Iraq, Iraqi Kurdistan (72.7% prevalence (excluding Dohuk), Types I and II)

• Jordan (No national prevalence figures available)

• Malaysia (No national prevalence figures available - Type IV)

• Oman (No national prevalence figures available)

• Pakistan (No national prevalence figures available)

• Palestinian territories (No national prevalence figures available)

• Saudi-Arabia (No national prevalence figures available)

• Syria (No national prevalence figures available)

• Tajikistan (No national prevalence figures available)

• Turkey (No national prevalence figures available)

• United Arab Emirates (No national prevalence figures available - Type I)

• Yemen (23% prevalence in women 15 to 49)

In our campaign to end female genital mutilation, lets not forget this is a global problem.