BRITISH EMBASSY, IRAQ | 12.2009. original text

Working to Reduce Female Genital Mutilation in Kurdistan

Female Genital Mutilation (“FGM”) is recognised internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes, and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women. The practice also violates 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.

For generations, FGM has been an embedded traditional practice in Kurdistan, but, with the help of a UK-funded project, this is starting to change.

With funding from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, a specialist German NGO called WADI has been working to reduce the practice in Kurdistan, and to increase the numbers of senior figures who speak out against it. The project has the support of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), the United Nations, the Dutch MFA, and various human and women’s rights groups in KRG, as well as several MPs and doctors from the region. The project has raised awareness of the issue of FGM across KRG, using computer equipment and a specially produced film. 7000 information booklets are being distributed to MPs, health workers, Imans, teachers, social workers and community leaders to encourage them to speak out against the practice of FGM. Four TV spots focusing on the issue are due to be broadcast shortly. Draft legislation is currently being discussed in the Kurdish Parliament, which would ban FGM and impose penalties on those who practised it.