One of the most serious and institutionalised forms of violence is female genital mutilation. Although it is now on the international agenda and universally condemned, FGM is still commonly practised and unofficially sanctioned in many communities, despite laws that may prohibit it. Some countries, such as Uganda, Ghana and Senegal, have gone further than merely passing laws. I have every hope that with a combination of strong leadership, legal prohibition and culturally-sensitive action, we can end this dreadful practice. There are eleven new HIV infections every minute.
Women are much more vulnerable to infection than men.
Most of them contract the virus from their male partners, but it is the women who are held responsible. In some countries, the rate of infection among girls aged 15-19 is six times higher than among boys in the same age group. My last point is that we must protect the health of the world's refugees and women in emergency situations. Women are the majority of the victims of emergencies, and they are much more vulnerable to violence, including sexual violence. Very little has been done in the past to meet their special health needs.