Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined as the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or any practice that purposely changes or injures the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. FGM is recognised by the United Nations as a violation of human rights

It a criminal offence to remove a girl from Ireland to mutilate her genitals.

Sometimes a girl or young woman might be told they are going on a trip to visit relatives or on a holiday abroad, not knowing that FGM has been planned for them. 

If you are concerned that a friend or relative may have been taken abroad for FGM, please contact your local Garda station and call us at the Consular Assistance Unit on +353 1 408 2527.