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Female genital mutilation: abuse unchecked

The Home Affairs Committee has published a report about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Recommendations include: the Government should introduce stronger sanctions for professionals who fail to record FGM data; the FGM Unit should be a joint effort between the Home Office, the Department of Health and the Department for Education and more.

Tackling FGM in the UK: What works in Community-based prevention

Summary of the findings from the external evaluation of a 3-year initiative to tackle FGM through community-based prevention. Finds that rejection of FGM has increased in areas where community-based preventive work is taking place. Outlines the successful strategies employed by community groups and makes recommendations for policymakers.

In the best interests of the child: preventing female genital cutting (FGC) (Subscription to journal required)

Overview of the international literature exploring Female Genital Cutting (FGC). Addresses the prevalence of FGC, its cultural and social origins, effective prevention strategies, legislative responses and education and health promotion programmes. Authors argue that practitioners in Western countries should be equipped to assist practising communities to recognise the harm of FGC and to change attitudes and practices.

My Voice: Participatory Action Research Project with Men, Women and Young People on FGM

My Voice is a 2016 innovative participatory action research project, with affected communities on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Scotland. The project aims are to facilitate community engagement on FGM with women, men, young people and religious leaders to enable their voices to be heard and contribute to the development of awareness raising around FGM as well as ensuring culturally appropriate services for Scotland.

FGM Scoping Study: Northern Ireland

This scoping study seeks to provide an estimate of the number of women and girls affected or potentially affected by FGM in Northern Ireland. ACSONI conducted community engagement focus groups. It further seeks to identify service provision in Northern Ireland and to identify gaps in both service provision and knowledge.

Violating children’s rights: Harmful practices based on tradition, culture, religion or superstition

Report on harmful practices against children based on tradition, culture, religion or superstition. It looks at the definition and scope of harmful practices from a human rights perspective, and provides examples of legal and other measures already taken to challenge and eliminate them. Makes recommendations for action by states, UN and UN-related agencies, INGOs, NGOs, national human rights institutions and others.

Safeguarding children’s rights: exploring issues of witchcraft and spirit possession in London’s African communities.

The Safeguarding Children’s Rights initiative was established in 2007 in response to concerns raised by African community groups about faith-based child abuse linked to a belief in spirit possession in London communities. This report evaluates the work of four community organisations funded by the project. Also outlines the context, including the background to witchcraft and spirit possession in the UK and the African context for child protection and children’s rights.