Today, the European Union to the State of Eritrea and UNICEF have joined forces in a 2-year agreement to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Underage Marriage in Eritrea, with a strong focus on upholding human rights. This collaborative effort supports Eritrea's own fight against these practices, with the EU providing funding from its thematic line on human rights. The contribution not only aids Eritrea in achieving one of the Sustainable Development Goals but also empowers girls and women by promoting inclusive communities that reject these harmful practices. Despite existing legal prohibitions, FGM remains prevalent in Eritrea. By creating an enabling environment that encourages communities to denounce and abandon these practices, the project seeks to safeguard the well-being, and dignity of individuals in Eritrea, representing a significant step towards sustainable development and promoting a society that upholds human rights for all, regardless of gender or age.

The signing of the Agreement was attended by the ambassadors of the Italian Republic, the French Republic, the Chargé d’affaires of the Federal Republic of Germany and Head of Office of the Embassy of Sweden.