Henry Smith MP has welcomed West Sussex County Council launching a charter against female genital mutilation (FGM), to mark the United Nations International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM on 6th February.

Henry said;

“I strongly welcome West Sussex County Council’s Charter which shows zero tolerance for FGM.

“The Charter states that this harrowing practise is a ‘fundamental violation of human rights.’

“FGM is an absolutely barbaric violation of women and girls, both physically and psychologically. I’m pleased to support West Sussex County Council’s zero tolerance approach to this abuse.”

West Sussex County Council’s charter was developed by councillors, following a unanimous motion at a meeting of the full council on 11th December 2015.

An estimated 137,000 women and girls are affected by FGM across the England and Wales, according to research. Sometimes called female circumcision, FGM refers to procedures including the partial or total removal of external female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

The Charter, which will be signed by all West Sussex County Councillors at the next full council meeting on 19th February, says:

“We oppose all forms of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). It is an extremely harmful practice with devastating health and psychological consequences for girls and women. It is a fundamental violation of human rights and a form of child abuse.

“This Charter signifies our zero tolerance of the practice of FGM in West Sussex and symbolises our commitment to tackling its eradication in our county and beyond. In signing this charter we acknowledge the key role that we have in raising awareness of the issue within our own organisation and in our communities.

“We urge all partners and communities to share our commitment and join national and international efforts to oppose and eliminate this practice.”

Cllr Louise Goldsmith, Leader of West Sussex County Council, commented;

“Female genital mutilation is a brutal form of abuse which we need eradicate. We are delighted that Henry Smith is supporting West Sussex County Council’s Zero Tolerance Charter and the County Council’s work on this issue.”

In 2016 the West Sussex Safeguarding Children Board (WSSCB), which includes representatives from a range of agencies (such as the County Council, police, NHS, Fire & Rescue Service and Probation), will be holding a series of events bringing together agencies and communities across West Sussex in order to coordinate a local response to tackling FGM.

This will start with an FGM Stakeholder event on 14th March, and the WSSCB is keen to link with anyone who is involved in community projects aimed at tackling FGM.

If you are concerned about FGM you can contact Sussex Police by emailing [email protected] or calling 101. The NSPCC also has an FGM anonymous helpline on 0800 028 3550 or via [email protected]

External links:

NSPCC
Sussex Police
West Sussex County Council
West Sussex Safeguarding Children Board