Development Minister urges for immediate action against female genital mutilation

In a call to action on the International Day against Female Genital Mutilation, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Gerd Müller, urged for increased efforts to end this severe violation of human rights.

According to Müller, around 200 million girls and women worldwide suffer from female genital mutilation, a problem that has been a concern even before the coronavirus pandemic. The issue is particularly prevalent in Sudan, where women are bravely standing up against deeply rooted traditions and serving as role models in the fight against FGM.

Last year, Müller visited communities in Sudan that had jointly decided to end FGM. These communities are not only breaking free from this harmful practice but also setting an example for others to follow.

However, the pandemic has exacerbated the issue. Lockdowns are preventing important awareness-raising work, and the economic crisis is leading to an increase in forced or child marriages, further endangering girls and women.

The corona crisis is also causing a dramatic hunger and economic crisis, leading the federal government to support people, especially in crisis and conflict areas, with food security.

The federal government is addressing the issue of FGM with the global corona emergency program and further expanding its commitment against FGM. In Germany, FGM is prosecuted under criminal law, but estimates suggest that over 67,000 women were circumcised in 2020.

The United Nations predicts that up to 13 million additional child and forced marriages could be concluded by 2030 due to the corona crisis, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

FGM can lead to lifelong serious physical and psychological consequences, including infertility, complications during childbirth, severe depression, and even death. It is a problem with lifelong repercussions that must be eradicated.

Müller emphasised that it takes great courage to stand up against deeply rooted traditions, and he commended the women in Sudan for their bravery. He called for more efforts to ensure that every girl and woman can live a life free from the fear of FGM.

Development Minister urges for immediate action against female genital mutilation