Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a harmful practice that is recognised worldwide as a human rights violation. The practice of FGM violates:

• Right to physical and mental integrity
• Right to highest attainable standard of health
• Right to be free from all forms of discrimination against women (including violence against women)
• Right to freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
• Rights of the child
• In extreme cases, right to life

FGM has been documented in certain parts of Africa, Asia and Middle East. It is now encountered in Europe as well. Most often, girls and women are taken to their countries of origin during school holidays where they are confronted with the pressure to be cut.

The European Parliament estimates 500,000 girls and women living in Europe are suffering with the lifelong consequences of female genital mutilation. The EU has the power to act. The End FGM European Network works to ensure that the EU acts now to end this practice and protect women and girls.

The End FGM European Network offers a space to women and girls affected by FGM to engage directly with European decision makers. Their experiences and the expertise of member organisations define and guide the Network’s calls for European political action to end FGM.

The development of a European transnational network of organisations feeds into and complements the development of the platform working against FGM worldwide. Already, the platform created by the Network has facilitated cross-border cooperation and engagement in the international mobilisation on FGM. In addition, the Network provides a space for knowledge and skills sharing amongst actors involved in activities towards ending FGM, which can benefit the global movement to end FGM.