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Child Care Solicitors

Councillors in West Sussex sign charter to oppose FGM (29 February 2016)

Date: 29/02/2016
Duncan Lewis, Child Care Solicitors, Councillors in West Sussex sign charter to oppose FGM

Councillors in West Sussex have voted unanimously to unite to tackle female genital mutilation (FGM).

All 71 members of West Sussex County Council backed a charter to show their commitment to “oppose all forms of FGM”. The charter comes shortly after new figures were released by Unicef, which estimate that more than 200 million females have experienced FGM worldwide – 70 million more than previously thought. The organisation also predicts that this is likely to increase significantly over the next 15 years.

According to the NHS, health effects of FGM can include infections, chronic pain, infertility, childbirth complications, potentially fatal bleeding and mental health conditions.

FGM is carried out for cultural, religious and social reasons within families and communities, where it is believed to be a necessary preparation for girls facing adulthood and marriage.

Henry Smith MP for Crawley has signed the charter and said:

“FGM is an absolutely barbaric violation of women and girls, both physically and psychologically.

“I’m pleased to support West Sussex County Council’s zero tolerance approach to this abuse.”

West Sussex County Council’s charter was developed following a unanimous motion at December’s Full Council meeting. The charter is one of a number of actions being carried out in West Sussex to tackle FGM, including an FGM Stakeholder event on 14 March hosted by West Sussex Safeguarding Children Board (WSSCB).

Leader of West Sussex County Council, Louise Goldsmith, said:

“There is a lot of good work being carried out in the county to prevent further victims of this disturbing act of abuse – but it is vital for us to all stand together to show a united front against this vicious act of cruelty, which is why we are encouraging council staff, MPs and our partners to sign up to the charter too.”

West Sussex County Council Council staff, partners and local organisations are now being urged to join together and sign the charter, which states:

We oppose all forms of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). It is an extremely harmful practice with devastating health and psychological consequences for girls and women. It is a fundamental violation of human rights and a form of child abuse.

This Charter signifies our zero tolerance of the practice of FGM in West Sussex and symbolises our commitment to tackling its eradication in our county and beyond. In signing this charter we acknowledge the key role that we have in raising awareness of the issue within our own organisation and in our communities.

We urge all partners and communities to share our commitment and join national and international efforts to oppose and eliminate this practice.


Duncan Lewis Children Lawyers

Duncan Lewis children lawyers can advise on a wide range of child acre and family matters, including child abuse within the family and Court of Protection cases.

Duncan Lewis advises on child care under UK law and Islamic law – and has expertise in cross-border family cases, including advising on international marriage, adoption and divorce, international parent child abduction, child care arrangements, parental responsibility, leave to remove orders and spouse abandonment.

Duncan Lewis can also advise on FGM, honour crimes, forced marriage and dowry disputes.

For expert legal advice on family and child care law, call Duncan Lewis children lawyers on 0333 772 0409.


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