Female Genital Mutilation (Protection and Guidance) (Scotland) Bill: Call for Views

Date: 15th July 2019
Category: Equal protection from violence

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Closing date: 30^th August 2019

The Scottish Parliament’s Equalities and Human Rights Committee is seeking views on the Female Genital Mutilation (Protection and Guidance) (Scotland) Bill.

The purpose of the Bill is to create a new protection order related to female genital mutilation (FGM), to protect those at risk of FGM, or to prevent further harm to victims of FGM. The Bill also provides for statutory guidance for professionals and agencies working in this area.

The Committee would particularly welcome views on the following questions:

1. Will protection orders and statutory guidance be more effective in preventing FGM and safeguarding those at risk of FGM than the current approach?
2. What more could the Scottish Government and public services do to strengthen FGM prevention and protection?
3. How will the Bill impact on you, your community or organisation?
4. Are there any equalities and human rights issues you would like the Committee to consider?

A Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) for the Bill was published on 4th June 2019, highlighting children’s right to be protected from all forms of violence (Article 19 UNCRC), and to be free from inhuman or degrading treatment (Article 37).

• Access the Call for Views here
• Follow the Bill’s progress here
• Read the CRWIA here