Charlotte was delighted to accept an invitation from UN Women Somalia to speak about re-defining female genital mutilation (FGM) as a form of torture. UN Women Somalia held a rountable discussion with Somali Government Ministers and leading barristers about the potential and challenges of re-defining FGM as torture and an international crime.
As of January 2016, UNICEF estimated that at least 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Each year, at least 3 million girls and women undergo the practice, which means approximately 8,200 girls and women a day. UNICEF’s analysis shows that the country with the highest prevalence of FGM is Somalia (98%).
Drawing on Charlotte’s doctoral research on FGM law and policy, and her experience as a barrister specialising in immigration and family law, Charlotte explored the legal remedies available to protect girls and women at risk of FGM, and how redefining FGM as torture could result in the development of further legal remedies to support women and girls.
Related barristers: Dr Charlotte Proudman
Related practice areas: Female Genital Mutilation
