The European Parliament recently voted unanimously in favor of adopting a joint
resolution urging member states to help bring an end to female genital mutilation (“FGM”). The resolution condemns the widespread practice as an act of gender-based violence and a violation of children and women's human rights.
While non-binding, the resolution carries political weight and is representative of the commitment of all European member states to combat FGM. As British ECR MEP Marina Yannakoudakis stated, "Female genital mutilation is being carried out on women here in Europe... All member states must take some action to combat this vulgar practice."
The World Health Organization estimates that, in the European Union alone, at least half a million girls have been victims of the mutilations, and the resolution points out that this is most likely an underestimation.