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Making FGM reporting a statutory duty would offer professionals “clarity” says Home Office (23 July 2015)
Date: 23/07/2015
The Home Office has marked the one-year anniversary of London’s Girls’ Summit on Wednesday (22/07/15), by saying that more needs to be done to protect girls from abuse.
The Prime Minister pledged at the summit in July 2014, that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage would be tackled globally, with the aim of ending both.
The Evening Standard reports that ministers have now pledged to step up the global fight against FGM, as the Home Office published a consultation on making law the existing requirement for professionals such as teachers, doctors and social workers to report FGM – or any girl who might be at risk of FGM.
Home Office Minister Karen Bradley said the move would give “clarity” to staff on their duties and responsibility regarding FGM.
International Development Secretary Justine Greening said that last year’s pledges at the Girls’ Summit had “already made the world a better place for girls”.
“The Girls’ Summit was a rallying cry in the fight against child marriage and FGM – but we have further to go to end these practices, and more widely in the global battle for girls’ and women’s rights,” Ms Greening said.
“When it comes to the rights of girls and women, if you’re not winning that battle, you’re losing it,” she added.
“So Britain is going to keep fighting this battle with growing numbers of other countries and campaigners, until we win it for girls for good.”
Figures show that as many as 173,000 women and girls across England and Wales are affected by FGM, with 5,000 schoolgirls under the age of 14 affected in London.
Duncan Lewis Children Lawyers
Duncan Lewis children lawyers can advise on a wide rage of child care matters under UK law and Islamic law – including child care arrangements, wills and trusts, court orders, children taken into Local Authority care and care proceedings, international child abduction – and Court of Protection cases.
Duncan Lewis is also able to advise on child abuse – including FGM, forced marriage and domestic violence.
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For expert legal advice on child care law, call Duncan Lewis children lawyers on 020 7923 4020.
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