Over ten years after female genital mutilation was criminalized in the Netherlands, no cases have been prosecuted. Neither the judiciary nor the Public Prosecution Service has encountered instances where parents faced trial for such acts against their daughters.
In 2023, the National Expertise Center for Honor-Related Violence did not handle any cases, and Safety Home, the initial contact for concerned schools, doctors, or relatives, scarcely received reports, which are not made public when they occur. Despite this, dozens, potentially hundreds, of girls return to Dutch classrooms each year after trips abroad with injuries from countries where FGM is practiced, according to gynecologists, midwives, and public health services.
The consequences are severe, including disrupted sexual development, trauma, and ongoing health issues. Gynecologist Wendela Kolkman from The Hague’s Haga Hospital sees two patients weekly during her special consultation for these individuals, who also seek psychological support and inquire about surgical options for partial recovery.
Although Kolkman provides medical assistance and advises against the practice for their daughters, the cultural pressure remains strong, with procedures often carried out abroad by relatives. Despite legal provisions against FGM and severe penalties including up to 12 years imprisonment or a fine up to €76,000, no legal action has been taken, partly due to factors like language and cultural barriers and the fear of consequences.
VVD parliament member Becker suggests studying other countries’ approaches, such as the UK’s ability to impose travel bans or France’s medical checks for asylum seekers from high-risk countries. Although these measures may be controversial, Becker emphasizes the need to protect these girls within Dutch society.
Source: NOS