Female Genital Mutilation

House of Lords written question – answered at on 13 May 2011.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Lord Jones of Cheltenham Lord Jones of Cheltenham Liberal Democrat

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will encourage the Government of Kenya to outlaw female genital mutilation following recent protests by young women in Kenya against this practice.

Photo of Lord Howell of Guildford Lord Howell of Guildford Minister of State (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) (International Energy Policy)

The UK is committed to tackling female genital mutilation (FGM), which is a very serious problem in some parts of the world. In November 2010, we worked with civil society partners to develop an ambitious cross-government action plan for tackling FGM that aims to raise awareness of the issue, its illegality, and its severe health consequences, to ensure that professionals intervene to safeguard girls and women at risk.

In Kenya FGM is already outlawed under the Children Act of 2002. Under the new constitution, a Bill has recently been tabled and is currently under debate in the House to strengthen the existing laws and make prosecution for FGM under this act easier. The UK fully supports this process and is committed to raising human rights issues, including FGM where appropriate, as part of its ongoing dialogue with the Government of Kenya.

Does this answer the above question?

Yes1 person thinks so

No0 people think not

Would you like to ask a question like this yourself? Use our Freedom of Information site.