Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) occurs among members of migrant communities in Germany, even though it is considered a non-practising country. Terre des Femmes estimates that about 29,000 women in Germany are affected by FGM and that 4,000-5,000 women and girls are at risk of FGM/C each year.
Germany has passed criminal legislation prohibiting FGM/C in 2013. Germany ratified the ICESCR in 1973, CEDAW in 1985 and the CRC in 1992. Germany has signed but not ratified the Istanbul Convention
Anti-FGM/C Organisations in Germany
Forward Germany
Email: vorstand@forward-germany.de
Forward Germany campaigns against FGM/C and advises women at risk of undergoing the procedure. They provide advice on the phone and have a fund for vaginal reconstructions.
(I)ntact
(I)NTACT campaigns to end the practise of FGM/C and informs the public about its consequences. (I)NTACT finances and coordinates projects in Burkina Faso, Togo, Senegal, Benin and Ghana.
Terre des Femmes
Terre des Femmes (TDF) is a German non-profit women’s rights organisation. They are committed to ensure that girls and women can live a free, safe, and self-determined life while holding equal and inalienable rights regarding all aspects of life. Their aim is to raise public awareness by means of education and advocacy, campaigning and lobbying, international networking, and individual personal assistance. They also promote a number of independent and local self-help projects abroad. TDF deals with a variety of subjects through its six focus areas: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), honour crimes and forced marriages, domestic and sexual violence, women trafficking, virginity myths and support for refugee women. Based in Berlin, TDF maintains a nation-wide body of support of more than 3,500 members and patrons, 25 local groups, and 4 working groups at present.
We have no FGM/C Lawyer for Germany, but would welcome suggestions. Please contact us.