Hundreds of young Kenyan girls fleeing to avoid female genital mutilation (FGM) have found refuge in churches. Most, but not all, had their family support when they fled. A UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) study revealed that FGM is prevalent in most of Kenya, reaching rates between 75 to 90% in the two Kuria districts.
Relief aid has been provided to the group, which is expected to return to their homes. Andrew Timpson, a senior protection officer for the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Kenya, expressed the important role local officials must play to ensure girls' safety and access to schools as they return home. He added that "the law should be used to deal with errant fathers and community leaders."
Compiled from: KENYA: Girls Flee to Avoid FGM, IRIN (17 December 2008).