WASHINGTON

Over 4 million girls are at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM), the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned.

"Even one mutilation is one too many," Guterres said in his message on Monday to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, observed annually on Feb. 6.

He appealed for action to stamp out "egregious violation of fundamental human rights" and give greater voice to survivors.

"Female genital mutilation is a horrific & harmful practice, and an abhorrent human rights violation. Let’s redouble efforts & investments to uphold the rights of women & girls everywhere," Guterres said.

The UN estimates that globally, 200 million women and girls have been subjected to some form of FGM, which involves the removal of or injury to female genitalia for non-medical reasons.