This ground-breaking handbook details the present situation with regard to female genital mutilation (FGM) in Britain, referring also to other Western nations where FGM occurs. It scrutinises current pathways to eradicating this dangerous, sometimes lethal, form of child abuse and gender-related violence. The cultural and belief systems giving rise to FGM are complex. Further, FGM is an intensely intimate matter often imposed on young and vulnerable children. Approaches to its eradication therefore demand considerable human insight and a competent grasp of inter-/cross-agency working. It is also vital that everyone concerned - whether in caring and parental, safeguarding or other roles - understands fully that, regardless of custom or belief, FGM is a serious crime. The vulnerabilities and need for protection of victims and potential victims are paramount, but these pressing priorities do not lessen the requirement that all aspects of FGM be dealt with straightforwardly in accordance with the law. This book makes the case urgently for developing a shared, coherent model - a multi-disciplinary paradigm articulated at the highest level - as the basis to achieve the eradication of FGM. The text will be required reading for health, legal, educational and social services professionals, as well as researchers, policy-makers, school governors, journalists and other concerned citizens.

This Innocenti Digest examines the social dynamics of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). In communities where it is practiced, FGM/C is an important part of girls' and women's cultural gender identity. The procedure imparts a sense of pride, of coming of age and a feeling of community membership. Moreover, not conforming to the practice stigmatizes and isolates girls and their families, resulting in the loss of their social status. The social expectations surrounding FGM/C represent a major obstacle to families who might otherwise wish to abandon the practice. This Innocenti Digest is a contribution to a growing movement to end the practice around the world

This ground-breaking handbook details the present situation with regard to female genital mutilation (FGM) in Britain, referring also to other western nations where FGM occurs. It scrutinizes current pathways to eradicating this often dangerous, sometimes lethal, form of child abuse and gender-related violence. This book makes the case urgently for developing a shared, coherent model - a multi-disciplinary paradigm - as the basis to achieve the eradication of FGM. The text will be required reading for health, legal, educational and social services professionals, as well as researchers, policy makers, school governors, journalists and other concerned citizens.

This textbook takes a thematic approach to the study of international human rights. The collection of material around concepts and frameworks, rather than specific rights, makes it the ideal companion for most courses in international human rights. International human rights are, now more than ever, at the forefront of global politics and encompass a broad and diverse range of subjects, issues and geographical jurisdictions. This book, covering a wide range of topics, including the fundamental key concepts, reforming human rights and human rights in conflict and emergency situations, aids learning by: separating cases and material from the main body of the text so that extracted material is immediately recognizable contextualizing each extract with surrounding text that explains and elaborates on the relevant issues encouraging students to analyze and debate the material through the use of questions. An ideal resource for students seeking to truly engage with and understand the key issues in the study of international human rights.