Landmark conviction in the UK for conspiracy to commit FGM
Historic Conviction for Conspiracy to Commit FGM in the UK: A Landmark Step in the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence
In a case of the first of its kind, a man in the UK has been convicted and jailed for conspiracy to commit FGM. Emad Kaky, arranged for a young girl to travel from the UK to Iraq, where she would have been subjected to FGM and forced marriage. In early October, the court sentenced Emad Kaky to 4 and a half years in prison. The plans to commit FGM were uncovered by a witness who came forward to the police and WhatsApp messages also showed his intentions.
To read more about the case see HERE.
Valerie Lolomari from one of our UK members, Women of Grace, notes ‘We are incredibly pleased with this decisive action and hope it sends a strong and unequivocal message that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a harmful and unacceptable practice. The recent conviction for conspiring to commit FGM, the first of its kind, represents a significant legal and moral milestone in the fight against this deeply rooted violation of human rights. This verdict not only brings justice to the survivors but also underscores the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from such practices. We commend the efforts of law enforcement and the legal system in standing up against FGM and holding those responsible accountable. This sends a clear message that there will be zero tolerance for FGM and that the law will continue to act in defense of those at risk.’
Rohma Ullah from National FGM Centre, another one of our UK members, also voices that ‘Female genital mutilation is a form of child abuse which has a devastating and deadly impact on the lives of girls and women. Thankfully in this case, a girl was prevented from being cut, and we hope today’s sentence sends a strong message of warning to anyone considering having FGM carried out on their daughter or other family member.
It is vital that more is done to protect girls and women from this abuse – and that support for survivors is improved.
Preventing FGM needs to be treated as a public health issue. Change must come from working within communities who are affected by it and local authorities need to develop strategies that allow for dialogue with their communities.
It is also vital to introduce mandatory training for anyone who works to support children and vulnerable adults. That training should focus on how to spot the signs of girls who might be at risk or who have undergone FGM – as well as how to alert the relevant support services.’
End FGM EU welcome this judgment as it sends a clear, and stark message that FGM will not be tolerated and those vulnerable to this harmful practice must be protected! This case shows that there is no room for impunity for those that commit or conspire to commit FGM. While this case is a good example of how the enactment and implementation of laws punishing perpetrators is effective in tackling this harmful practice, it should be noted that more focus and resources should be put toward prevention measures. In order to eliminate FGM, and protect girls from being subjected to the practice, comprehensive and effective prevention measures are essential.
It is also important to highlight how language plays a big role in this movement to end FGM as words and their connotations impact how FGM and those affected by the practice are perceived. While we welcome this judgment, the language used by the court and in the media in condemning FGM as being ‘barbaric’ is problematic. It is essential to avoid using stigmatising language which further marginalises Survivors and communities and fuels discrimination. FGM is a sensitive topic and needs to be reported as such.
For more information on How to talk about FGM click HERE .
