End FGM EU stands in solidarity with Palestine: ceasefire now

The End Female Genital Mutilation European Network (End FGM EU) joins the international movement for solidarity with Palestine. As civil society actors, we work every day towards a Europe and a world where everyone is free from gender-based violence such as female genital mutilation (FGM). 

Our approach is rooted in intersectional feminism and global solidarity. The structures and root causes that allow for the perpetuation of gender oppression and patriarchal violence like female genital mutilation are inseparable from the ones that perpetuate other forms of oppression.

OUR COMMITMENT

We stand for women rights and gender equality, focusing on the elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence based on gender, such as female genital mutilation. The elimination of gender-based violence such as FGM passes by the creation of solid education and health systems, sustained by consistent human-rights based policies and funding. As civil society actors, as feminists, our mission cannot be pursued in a void, therefore, we cannot stay silent when we see that none of this is available to a whole population. We know we can all play a role in pushing towards the cessation of this utter violation of any basic principle of human rights, international law and human dignity.

OUR CALL

In a context of internationally recognised occupation and apartheid since 19671 and after almost two years of crimes targeting civilians, mostly women and children, including civil society and humanitarian actors with deliberate killings, psychological, physical and sexual violence and now fully-fledged famine in Gaza2, with evidence from UN expert bodies and independent civil society watchdogs, we express our strongest condemnation of the inaction of EU and global governments in preventing the ongoing genocide.

It is broadly proven that in situations of conflict and humanitarian crises, gender-based violence, including FGM where present, is exacerbated, putting gender-based violence survivors at increased risk. Destruction of basic health services3, education system and other essential services further exacerbates the vulnerability of women and girls, depriving them not only of specialised women healthcare but also of safety, autonomy, the opportunity to make any long-term plan about their lives.

In line with our core values, with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and principles of international human rights law, we hereby express our solidarity with the Palestinian people and, in line with the recommendations of UN bodies and human rights partner organisations we urge all governments to:

  1. Secure an immediate ceasefire
  2. Ensure immediate delivery of adequate humanitarian assistance to stop the effects of forced starvation and prevent all avoidable deaths
  3. End the complicity in the ongoing crimes against humanity – including by reconsidering all political and trade agreements that de facto allow the continuation of genocide, settler colonialism and apartheid
  4. Work to end the occupation
  5. Implement the rulings of the International Court of Justice and international law obligations

We are deeply concerned by the numerous crises and violent conflicts unfolding across the world at this moment and unequivocally denounce all forms of oppression, human rights violations, and state or non-state violence wherever they occur.

Our commitment to justice, dignity, and the protection of human rights is universal and unwavering.

FURTHER READINGS AND RESOURCES


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