International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation: 6 February 2019
This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared in advance of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, to be marked on 6 February 2019.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons. The International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, observed annually on 6 February, aims to promote international awareness of, and encourage actions against, the practice.
This briefing provides a short introduction to FGM, before providing an overview of the prevalence of the practice globally and international initiatives aimed at stopping FGM within communities. The briefing then provides information on the incidence of FGM in the UK; sets out the legislative context for measures designed to deter FGM; and references recent parliamentary and government activity in relation to the issue.