A campaign for the introduction of a law banning female genital mutilation (FGM) was stepped up this morning as International Day of Zero Tolerance to the practice was marked with a seminar in Dublin.
The Government has said FGM is covered by existing laws as it is seen as an assault, but speakers at the seminar said this was not enough and distinct legislation was needed.
Labour senator Ivana Bacik said there was a lack of clarity as to whether a parent could use the defence of consent if they were charged with assault arising out of allowing FGM to be practised on a daughter.
While FGM is not thought to be widely practised here, it has been estimated that more than 2,500 migrant women living in Ireland have been subjected to it. Ms Bacik said legislation would send out an important signal internationally.
She said there should also be a provision to charge someone with an offence if they were resident in Ireland but travelled abroad to have their daughter circumcised.
The seminar was hosted by the National Steering Committee on Female Genital Mutilation, which includes organisations such as the African women's network AkiDwA, Unicef and Amnesty International. The ambassador of Lesotho, Mannete Ramaili, said FGM was not a big issue in Ireland but it was happening more than people thought.
Salome Mbugua, AkiDwA's director said international solidarity was vital if zero tolerance of FGM was to be achieved. "In addition practicing communities should be empowered and encouraged to be at the forefront of efforts to end FGM since they are key if we are to achieve our ultimate goals."
Eileen Morrow of World Vision Ireland, which works in Africa to end FGM, said it was important to understand the reasons behind the practice. She said people carried out the practice to fit in with their communities.
Women in countries where FGM is practiced who were not circumcised were taunted and bullied, she said, and they found it very difficult to meet someone who would be prepared to marry them. "FGM is practised to ensure the chastity and fidelity of a future bride," she said.
Any attempts to stop FGM must take this into account and must be driven by the community, she said. She cautioned against outsiders coming in, telling people FGM is wrong. Ms Morrow said criticising FGM could be seen by the community as a criticism of their entire culture.
