Joint Statement on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

Ahead of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation on 6 February 2020, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission Josep Borrell, Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová, Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, and Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, reaffirmed the European Union’s strong commitment to eradicate worldwide Female Genital Mutilation in the following statement: “Girls and women have the exclusive right to make decisions about their bodies. None should see their body subjected to any kind of violence or abuse under any circumstances. Female Genital Mutilation is a severe breach of human rights and a dangerous violation of women’s physical integrity. Today, we join our voices to say: Enough is enough. Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. President Ursula von der Leyen‘s agenda for Europe has put the prevention of gender-based violence and the protection of victims at the heart of the Union’s equality policy. The forthcoming European Union’s Gender Equality Strategy will address all forms of violence against women, including Female Genital Mutilation. […] The European Union addresses ways to tackle Female Genital Mutilation with partner countries as part of its human rights dialogues. The European Union is also investing substantive amounts to end violence against women and girls through the Joint EU-UN Spotlight Initiative in prevalent countries.” The Joint Statement and a MEMO are available online.