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The military-civilian council has endorsed a chain of laws, including a traditional practice of “criminalization” known as female genital mutilation (FGM) or female circumcision. It was recognized that the tradition “violates the dignity of women,” the ministry said in a statement.
Earlier this year, the Sudanese government approved amendments to the Penal Code, which provide for FGMs to face up to three years in prison and a fine.
According to the United Nations, almost nine-tenths of girls are affected by female genital mutilation in Sudan.
The most radical procedure is to cut girls’ lips and clitoris, often in unsanitary conditions and without causing anesthesia.
For many years, human rights groups have condemned these procedures as a barbaric tradition that causes serious physical, psychological and sexual complications for victims. In addition, several girls who have undergone circumcision die.
A statement from the Ministry of Justice says that doctors and health workers who perform FGM will be punished under the new law, and that hospitals, clinics and other facilities where such procedures are performed will be closed.
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