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“It’s time to end
female genital mutilation”: Video marks International day of zero tolerance
(5 February 2013,
Brussels) Amnesty International’s END FGM European Campaign
today released a video in
advance of the tenth anniversary of the International day of zero tolerance of female genital
mutilation. The video entitled It’s time to end female
genital mutilation features three of the four international artists and
designers who gave life to each creation using thousands of paper rose petals
bearing signatures seeking action from Europe.
“Female genital mutilation is a reality not only in African countries but
also here in Europe.
The recent UN resolution demands more efforts from all governments. I am
grateful to the people who signed the rose petals and the artists and
designers who have contributed with their talent to put a spotlight on the
concerns of the girls and women affected by this practice”, said Dr Christine
Loudes, Director, END FGM European Campaign.
Adriana Bertini
from Brazil, Ilaria
Venturini Fendi from Italy, Nayia Evangelou from Cyprus and Walter Van Beirendonck
from Belgium have incorporated the voices and demands of 42,000 people into
four separate creations which will be unveiled on 27 February at a gala event
in Bozar (Centre for Fine Arts) in Brussels. The gala will bring together the
artists and designers, EU and national decision-makers and civil society
organisations. A seminar will take place the same day at the European
Parliament. Details of the ART FOR ACTION event in Brussels are available here.
The video is available in English
here. The French version
will be available
February 6 on www.endfgm.eu.
Background:
6 February is the International day of zero tolerance of FGM. Female genital mutilation
is a human rights violation that affects an estimated five girls each minute
worldwide. 500,000 girls live in Europe
with the physical and psychological consequences of FGM. Another 180,000
girls are at risk of being subjected to FGM each year. Over 42,000 people
signed a rose petal either electronically or by hand seeking action from the
European Union. While several EU countries have laws against practice of FGM,
states are unable to fully protect girls and prevent FGM because of lack of coordinated
measures across health, social service, asylum and police services. Amnesty
International’s END FGM European Campaign seeks a coordinated response from
the EU that involves active engagement of the affected communities. END FGM
European Campaign is run by Amnesty International, in partnership with
14 NGOs across Europe.
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