FGM violates human rights

"The pain inflicted by FGM does not stop with the initial procedure, but often continues as ongoing torture throughout a woman’s life" - Manfred Nowak, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture

"No one may invoke cultural diversity as an excuse to infringe on human rights guaranteed by international law... nor should cultural diversity be taken to support segregation and harmful traditional practices which, in the name of culture, seek to sanctify differences that run counter to the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of human rights." - UN Special Rapporteurs, World Day for Cultural Diversity, 21 May 2010

Sweden was the first country in Europe to legislate against the practice of female genital mutilation.

Female genital mutilation comprises all procedures involving partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. (World Health Organisation)

A girl or woman seeking asylum because she has been compelled to undergo, or is likely to be subjected to FGM, can qualify for refugee status. (UN High Commission for Refugees)

European Parliament estimates 500,000 girls and women living in Europe are suffering with the lifelong consequences of FGM.

"For myself it is very painful when I get my period. I can’t go to school. I can’t do anything. I have to stay three or four days at home. All girls who have been through this are the same as me." -21 year old Somali girl living in Ireland.

FGM constitutes a persecution qualifying for being granted refugee status in the European Union - 2004 Council Directive and Geneva Conventions

FGM denies the right to equality between women and men and constitutes discrimination on the grounds of gender, age and ethnicity.

FGM violates the right to freedom from violence, the right to physical and mental health and to physical integrity.