Foreign Minister on the International Day against Female Genital Mutilation

"Female genital mutilation is one of the most brutal forms of disrespect for women’s dignity and a violation of their rights. It is based purely on tradition and is not rooted in any religion," stated Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik on the occasion of the International Day against Female Genital Mutilation on 6 th February, which was launched by African non-governmental organisations. According to estimates some 6,000 girls still suffer genital mutilation every day. This inhuman practice is already prohibited in many countries, but the relevant laws are not properly implemented if indeed they are applied at all.

"This form of violence can be best countered by raising awareness and changing attitudes. This process can only originate in the affected societies themselves. It is up to us to support incentives in this direction in the best possible way. Together we must stop this cruel practice," continued Plassnik. "Through Austrian Development Cooperation we support the Gender Office of the African Union, which initiates supra-regional activities and promotes legislation in the member states in this area, and a UNICEF project aimed at putting an end to female genital mutilation in Burkina Faso."

The joint EU-Africa strategy of December 2007 laid down the principle of gender equality and explicitly called for combating female genital mutilation and other forms of violence against women, said Plassnik. "These are encouraging steps in the right direction. But much remains to be done. Our aim is a world in which female genital mutilation simply no longer exists. The concept of "traditional violence" is also euphemistic: in the 21st century tradition may no longer serve as a justification for violence against women anywhere in the world," concluded Plassnik.

Contact:

Federal Ministry for
European and International Affairs
Press Department
Tel.: +43 (0) 50 1150-3262, 4549, 4550
Fax: +43 (0) 50 1159-213
E-Mail: abti3@bmeia.gv.at