Human Rights Council 61st Session
Annual High-Level Mainstreaming Panel
Statement delivered by H.E. Thorgerdur Katrín Gunnarsdóttir,
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States
23 February 2026
Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states.
Female genital mutilation is a serious human rights violation. It causes lifelong physical harm, deep psychological trauma, and severe health complications. More than 230 million women and girls live with the consequences of this harmful practice, reflecting deep-rooted gender inequality and discrimination that must end.
Despite global efforts, millions of girls are still subjected to this life-threatening practice. This reality requires us to act with urgency and use all available measures to end FGM. New and emerging digital technologies can be transformative, making information more readily available and facilitating social change.
Digital transformation must be human rights based. If grounded in equality, right to privacy, and participation, digital innovation can meaningfully accelerate global efforts to prevent and eliminate FGM.
In this context, we welcome the panellists’ reflections on how States and partners can ensure that digital technologies are developed and governed in ways that protect women and girls at risk of FGM, while empowering survivors and communities to lead change.