FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

Early day motion 1219, tabled 20 December 2010 by Valerie Vaz (Labour). Signed by 44 members.

That this House is concerned about the continuing prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the UK, despite the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 that restated and amended the prohibition of such practices under UK law; understands that there have been no prosecutions in respect of offences relating to female genital mutilation in the last five years; notes the World Health Organisation's (WHO) view that the procedure has no health benefits, and can cause severe acute and chronic problems for physical and mental health; further notes that the WHO recognises four distinct types of FGM; recognises that the procedure is nearly always carried out on minors and thus constitutes a violation of the rights of children; further recognises that the practice violates the human rights of girls and women, including a person's rights to health, security and physical integrity, the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and the right to life when the procedure results in death; acknowledges that the causes of FGM are complex and include a mix of cultural and social factors within families and communities; further acknowledges that no religious scripts prescribe the practice; and calls on the Government to ensure that protection is provided for young women at risk, whether they are UK nationals, permanent residents or newly arrived.

Signatures by party: Labour 25, Liberal Democrat 9, DUP 3, Conservative 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Alliance 1.