UK Parlimentary Hearings on FGM

Press Release 22 November 2000:

Parliamentarians call on Government to change UK Law on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Population, Development and Reproductive Health today published their Report of Parliamentary hearings on FGM that were held in May 2000. FORWARD was on the steering committee for the implementation of the Hearings. The first day of the hearings called witnesses from the UK, including Dr. Faith Mwangi-Powell, Acting Director of FORWARD. It dealt with issues such as training, services and treatments available for women who have undergone FGM, work with the community-based organisations and the level of awareness amongst law enforcement and other statutory groups. The second day called key workers in this campaign from parts of Europe, USA and Africa, to find out how they, through legislation and other means, are working towards the eradication of the practice in their countries.

Christine McCafferty MP Chair of the cross-party Group said:

"The practice of FGM is a violation of human rights and it is crucial that we raise awareness of the issue. It is clear that there is a growing problem of FGM in the UK. The Government must prioritise and give support to organisations, health and educational professionals dealing with the issues. It is a scandal that there have been no prosecutions under the UK Law and that awareness of the Law is minimal. The Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act (1985) is clearly ineffective and must be changed."

In the Report of the Hearings Parliamentarians note that:

• There have been no prosecutions in the UK under the UK Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act (1985).
• In the UK women who have undergone FGM are increasingly presenting themselves to health care professionals, and specialists clinics are treating hundreds of women with FGM related complications.

The Parliamentarians call on the Government to:

• Change the UK Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act to ensure that UK residents who take girls abroad to have them circumcised, can be prosecuted under the UK Law on their return.
• Ensure that health professionals and other relevant authorities are required under the law to report incidents of FGM.
• Develop an information and media campaign targeting specific grass root community groups and professionals on the awareness of the Act.
• Co-ordinate inter-agency research involving the immigration service, refugee councils and health and education departments to map out FGM needs in the UK.

A questionnaire to non-governmental and other organisations working on FGM was sent out and over 90 responses were received. Key findings of the research were:

• Less than half (46%) of the UK respondents mentioned an awareness of the UK Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act 1985.
• 25% of UK respondents surveyed expressed a fear of being perceived as racist or culturally insensitive when dealing with FGM issues, in Europe 8% expressed a concern.

Christine McCafferty MP said:

"It is vital that we listen to the leaders of Black Women's Groups and community groups working to eliminate FGM in the UK. It is not a question of culture or race. Cultures are only sacred if they are consistent with human rights. We should not be afraid to address this issue in the UK. By enforcing FGM legislation we are ensuring that black children are not distinguished from white children. No child should suffer from the practice of FGM. It is important that we have effective legislation to protect all children in this country."