The VVD and SP parties in the Netherlands are advocating for mandatory reporting by educational and healthcare professionals if they suspect a girl is at risk of genital mutilation or if it has occurred. Reports should be made to the national support center Veilig Thuis.
SP Member of Parliament Dobbe emphasized the necessity of reporting to understand the prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM). Recent NOS research indicates few reports and no prosecutions over the last decade, despite frequent consultations with young patients by gynecologists.
Legal and procedural barriers hinder prosecution, and efforts toward prevention are seen as inadequate. VVD MP Becker criticized the slow approach to addressing FGM, urging for more effective legal measures.
Legal attempts by organizations such as Femmes for Freedom to hold responsible parties accountable have faced setbacks, with courts upholding religious freedoms over public order concerns. The Council of State recently supported a mayor’s decision not to act against a mosque promoting FGM, sparking public outcry.
The decision points to challenges in balancing religious rights and public safety, with some legal avenues remaining unexplored.
Source: NOS