Monrovia — A major campaign intended to curb the old-age practice of female genital mutilation has intensified in the country with the Women and Children Desk of the Inter-religious Council of Liberia (IRCL) taking the lead in the campaign.

Addressing a news conference at her 15th Street office in Sinkor, Monrovia yesterday, Madam Beatrice S. Seeboe, Acting Coordinator of the IRCL's Women and Children Desk disclosed that the campaign against Female Genital Mutilation (FMG) is being sponsored by the Norwegian Church Aid (NAC) and implemented by the Women and Children Desk of the Inter-Religious Council of Liberia.

Madam Seeboe stressed that the issue of FMG and the elimination of harmful traditional practices is a sensitive and delicate issue. She said FMG poses threats to the security and health of women and girls.

As a religious institution, Ms. Seeboe noted, "We cannot close our eyes to the fact that these girls and women that go under the pains of these harmful traditional practices face a serious violation of their fundamental rights."

According to Madam Seeboe, putting an end to such practice is a demanding task that should involve everyone. "This includes the government of Liberia by showing the political will to enact law that will put an end to the practice and stop the issuance of license to FMG practitioners," Madam Seebo concluded.