European Commission

Commissioner Reding and High Representative Ashton reaffirm commitment to end FGM

6 February 2011

On the International Day of Zero Tolerance of female genital mutilation (FGM), Viviane Reding, the Vice President of the European Commission and High Representative Catherine Ashton made a short statement to reaffirm the EU's commitment to end FGM and gender-based violence in the EU and in its external relations.

It is now to be seen how these statemenst of commitments will be translated into real positive action.

 

• Read the joint statement here

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Strategy for Equality between Women and Men (2010-2015)

21 September 2010

The European Commission presented an action-oriented strategy to combat violence against women in its strategy to promote gender equality.

The five year strategy for equality between women and men, announced by EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding, recognises the need for an EU wide strategy to combat violence against women and in particular, female genital mutilation.

Amongst the various actions proposed, the Commission promises to:

1. Adopt an EU wide strategy on combating violence against women, including practices of female genital mutilation
2. Launch a Europe-wide awareness-raising campaign on gender-based violence

3. Explore the options to eradicate female genital mutilation in the EU

4. Consider gender issues in the areas of asylum and health policies

The Commission must ensure that its proposal of a strategy and awareness-raising campaign must not be limited to criminalisation of the practice. Any strategy to combat FGM must be holistic, participatory and non-stigmatizing. Furthermore, the successful implementation of the strategy relies on incorporation of the voices of women who have experienced violence.

• Read the Commission Communication here
• Read the Action Plan to implement the strategy here

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Stockholm Action Plan promises robust response to FGM

20 April 2010

The European Commission released its action plan on the Stockholm Programme on justice, security, asylum and immigration policies for the years 2010-2014. The action plan states: “All policy instruments available will be deployed to provide a robust European response to violence against women and children, including domestic violence and female genital mutilation”. A Communication on a strategy to combat violence against women, domestic violence and female genital mutilation and an EU action plan are planned for the next two years. This action plan must now be adopted by the European Parliament and the European Council.

• Read the European Commission's Action Plan Implementing the Stockholm Programme here

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Women’s Charter – “A Declaration of Faith and of Values” – Viviane Reding, Vice President European Commission

5 March 2010

On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2010, the European Commission launched a women's charter. This charter is said to represent commitment of the entire Commission, composing of 27 Commissioners towards promotion of gender equality and ending gender-based violence.

Through this charter, the European Commission makes specific commitments towards ending FGM:

“Europe does not tolerate gender-based violence. We will step up efforts to eradicate all forms of violence and to provide support for those affected. We will put in place a comprehensive and effective policy framework to combat gender-based violence. We will strengthen our action to eradicate female genital mutilation and other acts of violence, including by means of criminal law, within the limits of our powers.”

A "strategy for equality between women and men" for 2010-2015 will be released in September 2010 to implement the declarations made in this charter.

 

END FGM welcomes the inclusion of FGM in this women’s charter. The Commission should ensure that any action plan to end FGM must address prevention, protection, punishment and reparations (access to just and effective remedy). While legislation is important, the root of the practice must be addressed through community engagement and education. Furthermore, the factors that prevent implementation of existing laws against FGM, like lack of knowledge and attitudes of both communities and professionals, must be addressed.

• Read A Strengthened Commitment to Equality between Women and Men: Women's Charter here.