Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 29: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress being made to ban female genital mutilation at both EU and UN level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19972/11]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The practice of female genital mutilation is a clear violation of the human rights of women and girls. It also infringes on children's rights to special protection. The World Health Organisation estimates that between 100 million and 140 million girls and women worldwide are currently living with the consequences of female genital mutilation. In Africa alone, it is estimated that three million girls are at risk annually.

Ireland is playing an active role in policy development, funding and research to address this appalling practice. It is a form of gender-based violence, and is one element in our comprehensive approach to ending such violence through the overseas aid programme. Through Irish Aid in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Government is co-operating with United Nations agencies in a concerted effort to end the practice of female genital mutilation. We are working closely with the new Agency, UN Women, which is prioritising the prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls. The Government is providing €1.2 million to support the work of the Agency in 2011.

We are also supporting the United Nations Fund for Children (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in their work on child protection, gender equality, reproductive health and maternal mortality. At EU level we are working with partners to ensure that violence against women remains a focus of EU development policy, and of programmes funded by the EU in Africa.

Progress is being made. On 6 February 2011, the International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation, the United Nations reported that there has been success in reducing the incidence of the practice in a number of African countries. The key to this progress has been the ability to engage with communities and persuade them to take the decision to abandon the practice.