International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM

The Scottish Parliament recognised the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on 6th February and debated actions that can be taken in Scotland to end this so-called honour-based violence.

MSPs debated and agreed a motion that stated ‘…it is clear that FGM, along with all other forms of violence perpetrated against women under the guise of gender, culture or religion, so-called honour-based violence, is a violation of the human rights of women and girls; acknowledges that a preventative, supportive and legislative approach is crucial to tackling, preventing and eradicating FGM; recognises that communities and individuals affected by honour-based violence must be at the heart of work to effect significant social, cultural and attitudinal change over the long term; further recognises that faith leaders of communities potentially affected by FGM and so-called honour-based violence have a role to play in working to change cultural attitudes; welcomes the positive engagement and ongoing partnership approach across the police, NHS, education, social services, third sector and community-based organisations, in taking forward the actions from Scotland’s National Action Plan to Prevent and Eradicate FGM, and recognises the international work of the UK Government, which has allocated £35 million to reduce FGM by 30% in 17 countries across Africa.’

Read the debate Official Report here:

http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/report.aspx?r=10765&mode=pdf

 

 

Image credit: dun_deagh, CC BY-SA 2.0