Never before have so many women been protected from genital mutilation

In 2017, 456 women were granted asylum in Belgium to protect them from genital mutilation. That’s a record. However, Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration Theo Francken wants to strengthen women’s rights even further. “Female circumcision is an inhumane practice,” says Theo Francken. “Any woman who has fallen victim to it or who risks falling victim to it deserves the necessary protections.”

Protection and support

Worldwide, an estimated 200 million girls and women are living with the consequences of genital mutilation, particularly in African countries such as Guinea and Somalia. The immigration law recognises this as a form of persecution, which can give rise to the right of protection. However, Belgium is going much further than granting this asylum status. “Afterwards, our reception centres are providing the necessary follow-up,” Theo Francken explains. “After all, the fierce social and family pressure to carry on with this barbaric practice remains present in Belgium as well; nevertheless, at no time, will we ever tolerate female circumcision.”

Global action plan

In the Fedasil reception centre network among others, there reside a great many women who have been the victim of female circumcision. Thanks to a global action plan, supported by Europe, they can benefit from a special programme that identifies victims at an early stage and supports them efficiently. The Secretary of State is committed to continuing this professional assistance in the coming years as well.