Reaction to European Commission action plan on ending female genital mutilation

NGO partners and activists associated with the End FGM campaign speak out at the European parliament, 28 February 2013. Amnesty International/ Sven Dauphin

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

NEWS FLASH

Reaction to European Commission action plan on ending female genital mutilation

(Brussels, 25 November 2013) On the International day of elimination of violence against women, the European Commission has released an action plan on ending female genital mutilation.

Statement of Dr Christine Loudes, END FGM European Campaign Director:

“Female genital mutilation has plagued women and girls for centuries, but the world is finally rising to the challenge to put an end to it. The European Commission has added its voice to the global movement with a progressive pledge through its action plan ‘Towards the elimination of female genital mutilation’.  We now look towards the current and future European leaders to realise this plan, hand in hand with the affected communities, and offer freedom from violence to girls and women worldwide.

The European Commission plan must be supported by European leadership from European Union (EU) countries. They must support global momentum by implementing this action plan and by adopting the Council of Europe Convention on combating violence against women.”

• Read the European Commission Communication ‘Towards the elimination of female genital mutilation’ here
• Read the END FGM Campaign contribution to the European Commission consultation here

Background:

The END FGM European Campaign is led by Amnesty International and works in partnership with 15 NGOs across Europe. Find out more at www.endfgm.eu

For interviews, please contact:

Prerna Humpal, Media Officer
END FGM European Campaign
Amnesty International
Phone: +32 (0) 2 548 2776
Email: [email protected]