Rights of Passage: Harmful cultural practices and children’s rights

This working paper examines the root causes and the consequences of cultural practices relating to puberty and puts forward suggestions for improving programmes in order to address these sensitive cultural issues.

The first part of this working paper provides an overview of the variety and nature of harmful cultural practices, with a focus on practices related to reproductive and sexual health, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM). Summaries of the research into girls’ and boys’ views on these practices are presented in part two.