Why Female Genital Mutilation Is Good

1.  It keeps evil spirits away.

2.  Insures that the rains will come.

3.  Increases the chances of a male child.

4.  Is more attractive for a husband.

5.  Would be chosen by women if they knew what was good for 'em.

Despite the overwhelming "popularity" of the practice of Female Genital Mutilation and that the practice is usually perpetuated by women, the bottom line is that the procedure is not only unnecessary but both dangerous and traumatic to those that receive it.  This number is over 15 million women in the world.  The problem with the practice is that it is not always, if ever, a voluntary practice, but one that must be forced on the participant.  By this detail it crosses into the realm of article 5, that of freedom from torture and degrading treatment.   The girls are old enough to remember the procedure, which makes it different from the Jewish--and American--practice of male circumcision done at birth.

It's difficult to extend these rights to the world though.  And our basis of the UDHR is based on our perception that our way is better than their way, at least in this.  But the only way to sway opinion is through education, which is what several African nations are doing through propaganda posters used to discourage the practice.  The UDHR must be adopted voluntarily and not compulsory, and so the root is through greater effort in education.  The extension of article 26, the right to Education, is the quickest way to encourage a country to adopt the remaining 29 articles.