Universal-Womens-accesss-to-justice-Publications-Practitioners-Guide-Series-2016-ENG

208 PRACTITIONERS GUIDE No. 12
Excision: partial or total removal of the clitoris and the
labia minora, with or without excision of the labia
majora (the labia are “the lips” that surround the
vagina).
Infibulation: narrowing of the vaginal opening through
the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by
cutting and repositioning the inner, or outer, labia, with
or without removal of the clitoris.
Other: all other harmful procedures to the female
genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g. pricking,
piercing, incising, scraping and cauterizing the genital
area.
Defining the crime of female genital mutilation
The Istanbul Convention defines the crime of FGM as follows:
“a) excising, infibulating or performing any other mutilation
to the whole or any part of a woman’s labia majora, labia
minora or clitoris;
“b) coercing or procuring a woman to undergo any of the
acts listed in point a;
“c) inciting, coercing or procuring a girl to undergo any of
the acts listed in point a.” 552
No health benefits, only harm
FGM has no discernible benefits to health or well-being and it
harms women in many ways. It involves removing and
damaging healthy and normal female genital tissue and
interferes with the natural functions of women’s bodies.
552
Istanbul Convention, above note 509, Article 38.