Families arriving into Manchester Airport from countries where female genital mutilation is practiced have been quizzed by officers as part of a police operation.
From September 1, Greater Manchester Police supported by Manchester Airport and the UK Border Force monitored 115 flights, speaking to more than 50 families.
A referral was also made to the local authority following concerns over a young girl returning from a flight and it is believed that families may use summer holidays as a cloak for taking girls out of the country.
FGM is illegal in the UK and it is also illegal for girls who have permanent residency in the UK to be taken overseas to have FGM anywhere in the world and if found guilty could face up to 14 years in prison.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Bridge from Greater Manchester Police, said: “GMP and our partners operate a zero tolerance approach to FGM which is why it was really pleasing to see so many of those people we spoke to happily engage with us and share information.
“It is important that families are aware of the health implications of this practice, as well as the law, which is why a number of information leaflets about it were handed out to returning passengers.
“We know that there is no religious basis to it and we wanted those children on the flights to know that there would be support available to them and the steps that they could take.”
The practice is known to occur in countries in mid and northern Africa and parts of Asia, the procedure involves the partial or total removal of the external genitalia or injury to the female genital organs.
It is allegedly carried out to safeguard a young woman’s virginity and her family’s honour, and can involve a festival or celebration as part of the ceremony.
Police intelligence has learnt that often young girls are taken to their countries of origins for the barbaric procedure so they have enough time to heal before school starts in September.
Immigration and Security Minister, James Brokenshire, said: “Female Genital Mutilation is a criminal offence and it is child abuse.
“Border Force officers have an important part to play in our drive to end FGM. Officers are working very closely with Greater Manchester Police and other agencies to provide crucial intelligence and ensure victims have access to the support they need.
“We will continue to work both in the UK and abroad to provide crucial extra intelligence to prevent FGM and those being trafficked across UK borders by organised criminal gangs.”
For full guidelines on FGM and the law click here. Anyone with concerns is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Image courtesy of UNICEF Ethiopia, with thanks.
