Female genital mutilation in Malta : a research study

Abstract

A report addressing female genital mutilation in Malta. This report is structured as follows. Part I provides an overview of the literature on FGM. It focuses on the international, European and national context as well as on the health implications of FGM before reviewing the literature on the training of healthcare professionals. Finally, the review provides a number of country profiles focusing on countries of origin of migrants in Malta and in which FGM is a widespread phenomenon. Part II introduces the legal framework at the international, European and national level. It seeks to provide an introduction to the legal basis for action to combat FGM whilst at the same time acknowledging that the law is only a part of the framework in this regard. The relevant provisions from international and Maltese law are addressed with particular attention placed on the provisions in the Maltese criminal code introduced in 2014. Part III presents the findings from the qualitative research including both the focus group and interviews with stakeholders and communities at risk. Despite the small samples, a number of interesting observations emerge which provide insights into some of the challenges faced as well as opportunities for future measures to address FGM. Part IV presents promising practices from various countries on approaches to combat FGM. These practices could help inform the development, implementation and evaluation of measures in Malta. Part V concludes by identifying a number of running themes from the research and presenting a number of concrete and achievable recommendations.