This article will look at international frameworks and regional efforts which are guiding the mission to eliminate the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) globally. The article will then consider the challenges to monitoring and enforcement of laws prohibiting the practice including arguments that it is a religious practice which is protected by international law. Finally, the article will consider the manner in which FGM is considered within the context of international protection.
The Denver Journal of International Law & Policy is one of the oldest international law journals in the United States and is ranked internationally. It is managed and edited by students at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.