Female genital mutilation (FMG), often referred to as female circumcision, is a serious offence that targets children from infants to puberty. FMG is also a violation of human rights, and is illegal by Norwegian law.
A child risking circumcision will normally have few chances to be aware of the danger and the serious health implications. UDI experiences that the problem is seldom brought up by applicants from countries where the tradition is common. UDI will consequently by their own initiative assess the risk for FMG on behalf of the children. This is a natural consequence of an increasing focus on children’s rights, including their individual right for protection.
UDI has started a project (UTMOK) to set down guidelines in cases where FGM may be relevant. The guidelines will be practiced both in the registration and processing of cases for children. The main goal is to ensure that girls who risk FGM are given protection in Norway.
Background
The issue was first brought up in relation to the processing of a case in UNE. The question was raised whether the immigration administration needs to assess the risk by their own initiative on behalf of the minors. As a result, a project-group was set down in fall 2006, consisting of members from the UDI and UNE. The group released a report, in which one of the conclusions was that the immigration authorities do need to assess the risk for FMG by their own initiative on behalf of the children.
It is hard to get definite numbers of how wide-spread FMG is. Most girls who are subject to FMG live in Africa. The tradition is practised differently depending on the group, country or region. It is common in almost 30 countries, from Egypt in North-East to Tanzania in South and Senegal in the West. The tradition is also practised in some Asian countries.
The biggest group practicing FMG in Norway originates from Somalia. It is known that 90 % of all women in Somalia are circumcised. This may be the reason why there has been a particular focus on this group. UDI would, however, focus on individuals from all countries where FMG is a relevant problem.
Need for co-operation
The immigration authorities acknowledge that the risk for FMG is still prevalent, even if the child is granted a permit in Norway. The UDI therefore wishes to co-operate with the authorities who are in charge after the child has been granted a permit; the child protection agency, the police and prosecution services. The UDI will develop guidelines for when the immigration administration has a duty to inform the child protection agency, or the police, in order to prevent serious punishable acts.
In order to ensure that children are not subject to FMG, there is also a need for a closer exchange of information, i.e. between the immigration administration and the health authorities. There may also be a need for closer documentation that the child is not circumcised. The use of health examinations and exchange of information does, however, raise difficult and sensitive questions, and are subject to political discussion.
New guidelines
The UTMOK-project will establish routines for identification and competent processing of relevant cases. To ensure that the cases are sufficiently informed, the UDI will in co-operation with NOAS (Norwegian Associaltion for Asylum Seekers) develop an information-package that will be given to asylum seekers prior to the asylum interview. The UDI will further develop a guideline for conducting the asylum interview.
The UDI will also establish guidelines for the juridical assessments in the case processing. One will look at the possibilities to introduce requirements in the permits of the parents. The aim is to ensure that the child is not exposed to FGM after a permit is granted.
The project will contribute to more knowledge and competence in the immigration authorities about FMG. A more active and conscious attitude to this problem will enable the immigration authorities to identify what children are in real danger of FMG in case of a return to their home country.
