US Response to Physical Torture

The United States response to female genital cutting has only come to the forefront in recent years. While the act of female circumcision is seen as physical and mental torture to most individuals around the world, it is strongly defended by those who are deep rooted in its culture and practices.

USAid, (who I have cited as a primary US relief group helping many international causes), released a policy on September 1, 2000 officially stating: "Policy: By this guidance, USAID recognizes FGC as a harmful, traditional practice that violates the health and human rights of women and hinders development. USAID opposes any practice of or support for Female Genital Cutting (FGC) and works toward the goal of total elimination of FGC. Under no circumstances does USAID support the practice of FGC by medical personnel. " (www.USAid.gov). The purpose of this policy is to spread awareness about the travesty going on in other countries and to support the Agency Strategic Plan along with other US Government policies trying to end FGC. Specific actions that this policy address include:
*updating agency strategy to include topics of gender, personal health, human rights and democracy governance
*support indigenous women's groups community leaders and religious organizations to ensure that all eradication activities are culturally appropriate
*identifying that FGC is only going to stop once the demand for it ends. Therefore USAid will work in close partnerships with indigenous community leaders as well as national and global policy leaders to promote broader education of the dangers and perils that FGC poses.
*coordinate elimination efforts and public support through working with donors and advocacy groups to enhance collaboration and coordination of elimination efforts.

The United Nations and the World Health Organizations (WHO) have both been privvy to the happenings regarding FGC, but have only recently begun to speak about it. In 1979, a formal policy statement was released, recommending to eliminate the practice.

Often, we only attempt to spread awareness and relief to causes that affect us personally (poverty, hunger, war, etc.) Because of this attribute of human nature, there is not as much US aid to FGC as I would have thought. There are many International groups and initiatives forming in countries in Africa and the Middle East, where FGC poses as a direct threat to the women that are born there. Other than releasing official statements condemning these procedures, the United States preveriably has its hands tied due to the deep rooted cultural ties this terrible tradition holds.