§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received concerning the ritual practice of female genital mutilation; and if he will make a statement. [34166]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorWe receive occasional correspondence and this subject is also considered by the UN Commission on Human Rights.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received about which countries tolerate female genital mutilation; what discussions he has held with the leaders of such countries regarding it; and if he will make a statement. [34167]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorThe UN special rapporteur on violence against women monitors this practice in accordance with her mandate. At the Commission for Human Rights in April, the United Kingdom co-sponsored a resolution stressing the rapporteur's recommendation that states have a duty to enact and enforce legislation against the perpetrators of acts such as female genital mutilation. There have been no bilateral discussions.