Austria

 

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) occurs among members of migrant communities in Austria, even though it is considered a non-practising country. It is estimated that about 8,000 women in Austria are affected by FGM/C.

Austria passed criminal legislation prohibiting FGM/C also overseas.

Austria ratified the ICESCR in 1978, the CEDAW in 1982 and the CRC in 1992. Austria signed and ratified the Istanbul Convention, which entered into force on 1, August 2014. For Austrian case law concerning FGM/C, see our case law page. 

 

Anti-FGM/C Organisations in Austria

African Women’s Organization

Schwarzspanier Strasse 15/1/2, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
Tel.: +43 (0) 1925 15 76
 
Based in Vienna, Austria, the African Women’s Organisation is a non-governmental organisation established in 1996 by women from Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, Nigeria, Senegal, Egypt and other African countries. Working directly with other non-governmental organizations as well as government departments and offices involved with the welfare of women and immigrants, the organisation’s central aim is to raise awareness and educate on FGM/C and its consequences.
 

The Desert Flower Foundation

Ungargasse 24/6
1030 Wien, Österreich
Tel.: +43/1/4027916
Email: office@desertflowerfoundation.org
 

Established by the former supermodel and now dedicated activist, Waris Dirie, the Desert Flower Foundation is a charity committed to ending FGM/C. Waris Dirie was subjected to FGM/C at the age of five. When she was 12, she was a victim of child marriage and three years later had fled to the UK. The Foundation seeks to raise awareness on FGM/C by providing education workshops, organising fundraising events and supporting victims. They also have an office in London and two centres in Berlin and Amstelveen where they provide reconstructive surgeries for women who have undergone FGM/C.

 

 

 

We have no FGM/C Lawyer for Austria, but would welcome suggestions. Please contact us.