AkiDwA welcomes new law on the prohibition of female genital mutilation

Published: Monday, October 08, 2012

With the recent commencement by Minister James Reilly of the Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation) Act 2012, female genital mutilation (FGM) is now specifically prohibited in Ireland. A person resident in Ireland found guilty of an offence under the new law could be subject to a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years or to both.  A person resident in Ireland who takes a girl abroad to have FGM performed will be subject to prosecution in Ireland.

Speaking on the commencement of the law, NWCI member, AkiDwA CEO Salome Mbugua said: 'Female genital mutilation is a gross violation of the rights of women and children. The new law provides Ireland with the means to comprehensively protect girls and women from this barbaric act. We look forward to Government department agencies and key stakeholders working together on the implementation of the FGM law.'