Children Act 1989 (Amendment) (Female Genital Mutilation) Act 2019

Children Act 1989 (Amendment) (Female Genital Mutilation) Act 2019 is a significant piece of legislation in the United Kingdom that amends the Children Act 1989 to provide increased protection against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This amendment is a critical step in the ongoing efforts to eradicate FGM and safeguard children at risk.

Overview

The Children Act 1989 (Amendment) (Female Genital Mutilation) Act 2019 was introduced to strengthen the legal framework for protecting children from FGM, a practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. This harmful cultural practice is internationally recognized as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.

Key Provisions

The amendment introduced several key provisions to enhance the protection of children from FGM. These include:

• FGM Protection Orders: The Act provides for FGM Protection Orders, which can be issued to safeguard children at risk of FGM. These orders can impose various conditions and restrictions to prevent potential perpetrators from carrying out FGM.

• Mandatory Reporting: The Act mandates certain professionals, such as healthcare workers, teachers, and social workers, to report known cases of FGM in under-18s to the police. This requirement aims to improve the detection and prevention of FGM.

• Anonymity for Victims: The Act grants lifetime anonymity to victims of FGM in the public domain, including in media reporting, to encourage victims to come forward and seek help without fear of stigmatization or reprisal.

Impact

The Children Act 1989 (Amendment) (Female Genital Mutilation) Act 2019 has been hailed as a crucial advancement in the fight against FGM. By strengthening legal protections and introducing measures such as mandatory reporting and FGM Protection Orders, the Act aims to reduce the incidence of FGM and support victims.

Criticism and Challenges

While the amendment has been widely supported, it has also faced criticism and challenges. Some critics argue that more needs to be done to address the underlying cultural and social norms that perpetuate FGM. Others point to the challenges in enforcing the law, particularly in communities where FGM is deeply entrenched.

Conclusion

The Children Act 1989 (Amendment) (Female Genital Mutilation) Act 2019 represents a significant step forward in the legal protection of children from FGM in the United Kingdom. By strengthening the existing legal framework, the amendment aims to prevent FGM and support victims, contributing to the broader goal of eradicating this harmful practice.