Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a human rights violation, a form of violence and discrimination against girls and women. It is most often carried out on girls between infancy and age 15, though adult women are also subjected.
Where are women living with the consequences of female genital mutilation or at risk in Europe?
The European Union estimates that around 600,000 women and girls are living with the consequences of female genital mutilation in the EU and that a further 180,000 girls and women are at risk of undergoing the harmful practice in 13 European countries alone. As well as girls and women in diaspora communities, there is also evidence of the practice in non-diaspora communities in Russia and Georgia.
Are there laws against female genital mutilation in Europe?
16 European countries have specific laws or legal provisions against female genital mutilation. Georgia has also recently passed a law against female genital mutilation.
