Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a human rights violation deeply rooted in gender inequality and discrimination. FGM violates various human rights under international human rights law including, among others, the rights to equality, life and health and the rights to be free from discrimination, torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. The failure by States to end this harmful practice against women and girls is a violation of States’ obligations to respect, protect and fulfil the enjoyment of all human rights. These obligations are accompanied by certain human rights accountability mechanisms that are critical in holding States to account for implementing their international and regional human rights obligations and commitments