INTERNATIONAL: First UK conviction for overseas Female Genital Mutilation

By Ollus Ndomu

Groundbreaking as woman hailing from London has been found guilty of aiding and abetting the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) on a young girl in Kenya.

This marks the very first instance of a woman being convicted in the United Kingdom for committing such a crime overseas.

The verdict comes after a comprehensive investigation initiated when the young victim courageously confided in a teacher back in 2018 about her traumatic experience of having been subjected to FGM in Kenya several years prior.

The revelation triggered an immediate response from law enforcement.

Medical experts who examined the young girl’s condition confirmed the horrifying extent of her suffering, revealing severe mutilation that would have caused significant bleeding and extreme pain.

This historic conviction underscores the commitment of prosecutors to tackle FGM, no matter where in the world it occurs, sending a resounding message that action will be taken against offenders who engage in such practices, emphasizing the global responsibility to protect the rights and well-being of women and girls.

The legal precedent set by this case paves the way for further efforts to combat this harmful tradition and ensure justice is served.