News outlets discuss findings from a UNICEF report released to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation on February 6.

Al Jazeera America: UNICEF: At least 200 million girls and women have undergone FGM
“There are at least 200 million girls and women around the world who have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM), with nearly a quarter of them being under the age of 14 when they were cut, according to a new report released by the U.N. children’s agency (UNICEF)…” (Parvaz, 2/4).

Associated Press: U.N.: At least 200 million females estimated to be circumcised
“…The UNICEF statistical report said the global figure includes nearly 70 million more girls and women than it estimated in 2014. It said this is due to population growth in some countries and new data from Indonesia…” (Lederer, 2/4).

International Business Times: UNICEF: 200 million girls, women living with FGM in 30 countries
“…The report suggested 44 million of the 200 million to have undergone FGM are below the age of 14…” (Singh, 2/5).

New York Times: UNICEF Report Finds Female Genital Cutting to Be Common in Indonesia
“…There has long been anecdotal evidence of the practice there, but the United Nations Children’s Fund estimated Thursday that 60 million women and girls there have been cut based on national survey data collected by the Indonesian government. The addition of Indonesia is largely responsible for raising the global tally of women and girls who have undergone the practice to 200 million from 130 million, and the number of countries where it is concentrated to 30 from 29…” (Belluck/Cochrane, 2/4).

Thomson Reuters Foundation: U.N. study finds more women face genital mutilation than earlier estimated
“… ‘Female genital mutilation differs across regions and cultures, with some forms involving life-threatening health risks,’ said UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Geeta Rao Gupta. ‘In every case FGM violates the rights of girls and women. We must all accelerate efforts — governments, health professionals, community leaders, parents, and families — to eliminate the practice’…” (Batha, 2/5).

TIME: Female Genital Mutilation More Widespread Than Previously Thought, UNICEF Says
“…If more men in areas of Africa and the Middle East knew the issues it creates with fertility and women’s health, activists say, those voices of opposition might be louder…” (John, 2/4).