End FGM EU welcomes UNICEF’s first national study on FGM in Luxembourg

End FGM EU welcomes the publication of Luxembourg’s first national study on female genital mutilation by UNICEF. The study estimates that around 2,200 women and girls living in Luxembourg have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM), while an estimated 1,100 girls and adolescents are at risk.

Across Europe, the gaps in the systematic data collection of women and girls affected by FGM, limits the ability of institutions to provide effective prevention, protection, and support. Reliable data is essential to understanding the scale of FGM, identifying gaps in national responses, and ensuring that policies are grounded in the realities of affected women and girls.

FGM is not an issue that exists “elsewhere.” It affects women and girls living in Europe and must be recognised as a form of gender-based violence and a violation of human rights. These findings underline the urgent need for the full implementation of the Istanbul Convention and the EU Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence. This means ensuring that prevention, protection, and support are properly resourced and coordinated across health, education, child protection, asylum, social services, and justice systems.

To effectively address FGM, Luxembourg along with all EU Member States must ensure survivor-centred specialist support services, trained frontline professionals, clear referral pathways, community-led prevention, access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, and protection mechanisms for women and girls at risk.

End FGM EU remains committed to supporting Luxembourg, GAMS Luxembourg, as well as all EU Member States, in translating these findings into concrete action through rights-based policies, survivor-centred services, community-led prevention, and the full implementation of European and international legal frameworks.