States with less of this abhorrent practice have also shown improvement.

ECONOMIST: Letters

We also remain dedicated to supporting the efforts of other nations, as well as international and nongovernmental organizations, to eradicate torture through human rights training for security forces, improving prison and detention conditions, and encouraging the development and enforcement of strong laws that outlaw this abhorrent practice.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

She said ministers were working with the police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to make sure they had proper guidance and information to deal with cases of the practice, which she described as "abhorrent".

BBC: Peer calls for action on female genital mutilation