FGM Guide on the Istanbul Convention (2014)

Amnesty International and the Council of Europe created a guide to place Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a human rights violation affecting women and girls around the world, high on the political agenda – and to promote the Council of Europe’s Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention).

This guide, produced jointly by Amnesty International and the Council of Europe, is based on the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (also known as the Istanbul Convention), which was adopted in 2011.

The treaty offers states both inside and outside the Council of Europe the framework for a comprehensive approach to preventing and combating such violence.
It is the first treaty to recognise that FGM exists in Europe and that it needs to be systematically addressed. It requires states parties to step up preventive measures by addressing affected communities as well as the general public and relevant professionals.

It entails obligations to offer protection and support when women and girls at risk need it most – and makes sure that their needs and their safety always come first.