The Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies and the European Parliament Office in Cyprus, is organising an event entitled End Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Developing a Common European Asylum Strategy. 

The aim of the event is to promote the End FGM European Campaign led by Amnesty International Ireland and to launch the campaign strategy ENDING FGM: A Strategy for the European Union Institutions which focuses on five key dimensions: Data Collection, Health, Protection, Asylum and European Development. The event will focus on the development of clear asylum guidelines for those under threat of FGM.

The event will be addressed by Ms. Dina Akkeldou, President of the House Committee on Equal Opportunities for Men and Women and take place a the EU House, Byron Avenue, Nicosia on 24 February 2010 at 15:00-17:30.

Please see here the programme in English and in Greek.

Opening remarks were made by Ms. Dina Akkelidou, President of the House Committee on Equal Opportunities for Men and Women. Guest speakers included Dr. Christine Loudes, Director of the END FGM European Campaign, Ms. Olga Komiti, Protection Officer, Office of UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Cyprus, Ms. Elena Neocleous, representative from the Asylum Service of the Ministry of Interior, and Leyla Hussein, Advisor to the End FGM European campaign. Over 20 participants attended the event including MPs, representatives of NGOs, government departments and agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.

Please see the event report in English and in Greek.

Please read the full strategy ENDING FGM: A Strategy for the European Union Institutions ENGLISH / FRENCH

Please read the summary of the strategy ENGLISH / FRENCH / PORTUGUESE / GERMAN / GREEK

The event received extensive media coverage by major television channels and by major newspapers. In addition, the event organizers and guests were invited in radio programmes to discuss about the conclusions of the event and the situation in Europe in relation to FGM.  

Press Coverage in relation to END FGM Campaign Launch Event


Politis 25/02/2010

Phileleftheros 25/02/2010

The event is also covered on the European Parliament website here.

RSVP info@medinstgenderstudies.org or 22 35 12 74 (ext.114)