Politicians in Uganda have called upon UN member states to support a global ban on female genital mutilation (FGM).
Tingey MP Herbert Sabila brought about the motion ahead of the African Union summit in July which will gather fellow African nations in a bid to address the continents' reproductive and maternal health issues.
Mr Sabila, within whose own constituency the practice still takes place, said FGM was unconstitutional, despite being a regular practice in many African countries.
He said FGM goes against the values of the UN Constitution which dictates that "no person shall be subjected to any form of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."
The motion also urged neighbouring African states to implement the Maputo protocol, which protects women's rights to be part of the political process; guarantees sexual equality and calls for an end to FGM.
The motion was the latest step in Uganda's bid to ban FGM following last year's 'Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation' Bill was achieved presidential assent in March.
The World Health Organisation estimates that more than 130 million women in 25 countries across the world have undergone FGM.
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