END FGM European Campaign
Amnesty International
VIDEO RELEASE
“It’s time to end female genital mutilation”: Video marks International day of zero tolerance
(5 February 2013, Brussels) Amnesty International’s END FGM European Campaign today released a video in advance of the tenth anniversary of the International day of zero tolerance of female genital mutilation. The video entitled It’s time to end female genital mutilation features three of the four international artists and designers who gave life to each creation using thousands of paper rose petals bearing signatures seeking action from Europe.
“Female genital mutilation is a reality not only in African countries but also here in Europe. The recent UN resolution demands more efforts from all governments. I am grateful to the people who signed the rose petals and the artists and designers who have contributed with their talent to put a spotlight on the concerns of the girls and women affected by this practice”, said Dr Christine Loudes, Director, END FGM European Campaign.
Adriana Bertini from Brazil, Ilaria Venturini Fendi from Italy, Nayia Evangelou from Cyprus and Walter Van Beirendonck from Belgium have incorporated the voices and demands of 42,000 people into four separate creations which will be unveiled on 27 February at a gala event in Bozar (Centre for Fine Arts) in Brussels. The gala will bring together the artists and designers, EU and national decision-makers and civil society organisations. A seminar will take place the same day at the European Parliament. Details of the ART FOR ACTION event in Brussels are available here.
The video is available in English here. The French version will be available tomorrow on www.endfgm.eu.
Background:
6 February is the International day of zero tolerance of FGM. Female genital mutilation is a human rights violation that affects an estimated five girls each minute worldwide. 500,000 girls live in Europe with the physical and psychological consequences of FGM. Another 180,000 girls are at risk of being subjected to FGM each year. Over 42,000 people signed a rose petal either electronically or by hand seeking action from the European Union. While several EU countries have laws against practice of FGM, states are unable to fully protect girls and prevent FGM because of lack of coordinated measures across health, social service, asylum and police services. Amnesty International’s END FGM European Campaign seeks a coordinated response from the EU that involves active engagement of the affected communities. END FGM European Campaign is run by Amnesty International, in partnership with 14 NGOs across Europe.
For interviews, please contact:
Prerna Humpal
Media Officer, END FGM European Campaign
Amnesty International European Institutions Office
+32 (0) 2-548-2776
www.endfgm.eu