The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) provides guidance on the treatment of claims for refugee status relating to female genital mutilation (FGM). Under certain circumstances, a parent could also establish a well-founded fear of persecution, within the scope of the 1951 Convention refugee definition, in connection with the exposure of his or her child to the risk of FGM.
Section: FGM
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.
A Statement Opposing FGM (Health Passport)
Families travelling overseas to countries where FGM is prevalent should take this statement with them. The passports can be downloaded in several languages. They can show it to their families as it clarifies that FGM is a serious criminal offence in the UK with a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison for anyone found guilty. Overseas relatives, or whoever is caring for them abroad, may also be guilty of an offence if they fail to protect all family members from FGM being carried out.
WHO guidelines on the management of health complications from FGM
WHO recommendations published in May 2016 aim to help health workers provide better care to the more than 200 million girls and women worldwide living with female genital mutilation. The recommendations focus on preventing and treating obstetric complications; treatment for depression and anxiety disorders; attention to female sexual health such as counselling, and the provision of information and education.
NHS Specialist Services for Female Genital Mutilation
The document provides a list of NHS Specialist services for survivors of Female Genital Mutilation. Women who have undergone Type 3 FGM can access de-infibulation services (opening up). The clinics provide services for both pregnant and non-pregnant women and some of the clinics also provide counselling and emotional support.
“Between Two Cultures”: A Rapid PEER Study Exploring Migrant Communities’ Views on FGM in Essex and Norfolk, UK
This report shares the findings from a rapid PEER study, carried out by migrant women and men living in Norfolk and Essex, UK. 18 Peer Researchers, were recruited through local community organisations and trained and supported by FORWARD and Barnardo’s to design and carry out conversational interviews with their peers focusing on life in the UK, and Female Genital Mutilation.
Female Genital Mutilation: E-Learning for Professionals
This free online training course helps frontline professionals develop skills to identify and help girls at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM). Provides: an overview of FGM; professional responsibilities in FGM cases; information on how to prevent FGM; and how to support those who have been subjected to it. Although not exhaustive, the course enables professionals to develop a basic understanding of FGM and their role in protecting girls at risk.
FGM Screening Toolkit for Family Lawyers
Family law organisation Resolution has published a screening toolkit for family lawyers who are working with families that may be affected by FGM. The toolkit provides an assessment guide for professionals including: tips for opening up a conversation and a list of suggested screening questions.
Information sharing: Advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young people, parents and carers
Information sharing is vital to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. A key factor identified in many serious case reviews (SCRs) has been a failure by practitioners to record information, to share it, to understand its significance and then take appropriate action.
Stakeholder Consultation Events: Exploring local best-practice in FGM prevention.
The National FGM Centre works with experts around the country to inform and develop services. As part of that process, it is organising a number of stakeholder events around England. The Stakeholder events are held in informal settings in the style of ‘world-cafe’ to encourage open discussions and the sharing of learning.