Statement opposing female genital mutilation

Female genital mutilation is prohibited in Switzerland. The government wants to support girls and families in protecting themselves against this practice. The «Statement opposing female genital mutilation» is intended to help do this. You can order or download a copy here.

The practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) is a violation of human rights with serious consequences for mental and physical health. FGM is prohibited in Switzerland and it is also an offence to have this practice carried out abroad. Female genital mutilation is usually carried out before entering Switzerland and sometimes during a holiday to the country of origin. The people involved are often unaware that the parents of girls affected risk legal consequences in Switzerland.

Stop FGM

The Federal Council wishes to emphasise the legal situation in Switzerland through the «Statement opposing female genital mutilation». The document is intended to support families and girls in resisting social and family pressure from their community in their country of origin and from the diaspora.

Order statement

The «Statement opposing female genital mutilation» is available in English, German, French, Italian, Amharic, Arabic, Somali and Tigrinya. 

Download statement

A PDF version of the statement is also available for download in all languages:

It is one of many measures aimed at preventing female genital mutilation supported by the federal government and implemented by the Network Against Female Genital Cutting Switzerland.

Legislation

Last modification 15.07.2024

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Contact

Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Healthcare and Related Professions Division
Health Equity Section
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
3003 Bern
Switzerland
E-mail

Print contact

https://www.bag.admin.ch/content/bag/en/home/strategie-und-politik/nationale-gesundheitsstrategien/gesundheitliche-chancengleichheit/chancengleichheit-in-der-gesundheitsversorgung/schutzbrief-gegen-maedchenbeschneidung.html