The Shame Colombia Still Tolerates
In Colombia, there is a shameful reality that is hardly spoken about: female genital mutilation continues to occur. Yes, today, in 2026, there are girls whose bodies are mutilated in their own homes, while the Colombian State has not yet explicitly prohibited this practice.
TL;DR
- Female genital mutilation (FGM) is still occurring in Colombia in 2026.
- At least 216 cases were reported between 2020 and early 2026, with over half affecting girls aged 0-5.
- 83% of reported cases happened within the victims' homes.
- The actual number of cases is likely much higher due to underreporting.
- Colombia has not yet explicitly prohibited FGM.
- A bill to ban FGM, 'Niñas sin ablación', is awaiting its final debate in Congress.
- The delay in passing the bill is attributed to a lack of political priority, not a lack of consensus.
- Prohibiting FGM is framed as a defense of human rights and a test of societal ethical limits.