The European Parliament has approved a common resolution on a strategy to end the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) around the world, tabled by six political groups.

Speaking after the vote, ECR MEP and vocal campaigner for ending FGM Assita Kanko, who had the initiative to table the resolution, said:

“The European Parliament has today proved that certain issues go beyond political games. There is general consensus that we need to eliminate FGM. No less than 200 million girls and women today have to live with the often terrible consequences of their genital mutilation.



“Female Genital Mutilation is not only an African issue, far from it. All girls and women must have the opportunity to choose their own future.



“Through practical training, cooperation, information sharing, international diplomacy, and crucially through showing zero tolerance, the EU should aim to solve this issue at all levels of society.



“It takes a lot of courage to break a taboo. There must be zero tolerance when it comes to the practice of Female Genital Mutilation. It is a crime against your body, your mind, and your physical autonomy.”



As a young girl, Kanko herself became a victim of genital mutilation in her country of birth, Burkina Faso. She is also calling for support for survivors of this practice.