Male’, Maldives — A case has been submitted to the Parliament’s Human Rights and Gender Committee today against a lecturer at Maldives National University (MNU), Dr. Mohamed Iyaz for encouraging “Female Genital Miutilation” (FGM).
The case was submitted by Parliament Member for Galolhu Dhekunu Constituency, Meekail Ahmed Naseem to the Parliament’s Human Rights and Gender Committee, regarding a tweet by Dr. Mohamed Iyaz featuring an article on “Medical benefits of female circumcision” and encouraging the Female Genital Miutilation” (FGM). Dr. Iyaz has previously also advocated for FGM.
MP Meekail stated that Dr. Mohamed Iyaz being an Assistant Professor of MNU and encouraging harmful practices for women is a danger for the women of Maldives, and it is an obstruction to the safety of women’s rights.
However, Dr. Mohamed Iyaz tweeted in response to MP Meekail’s action and stated that calling out to fire a person from his job or take actions against him “just because he expressed his thoughts on an Islamic research” is an uneducated act.
Dr. Mohamed Iyaz asked for valid proof against him and stated to stop trying to criticize the things that were already decided by Allah.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. This practice has no health benefits for girls and women. It is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women and the World Health Organization (WHO) is strongly urges health care providers to not perform FGM.
