Female Genital Mutilation in the Netherlands: Information and Current Policy

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)—the partial or complete removal of the female genital organs without medical necessity—is a harmful practice that is still carried out today. Experts have raised concerns over the past year, emphasizing the urgent need for new research to understand the scale of this issue better. Understanding the extent of this practice is crucial, given its potentially irreversible physical and psychological consequences.

What is Female Genital Mutilation?

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), is also referred to as female circumcision. Most victims are between the ages of five and fifteen, although in some cases, girls are subjected to the procedure before the age of five.

The consequences of FGM can be severe and lifelong, including shock, chronic pain, infections, painful sexual intercourse, psychological trauma, and complications during pregnancy. There are no medical benefits to FGM, it causes only harm to the female body and leaves lasting physical and emotional damage. Every year, it is estimated that dozens—and possibly hundreds—of girls return to the Netherlands having undergone FGM during visits to countries where the practice is prevalent.

FGM is performed for various cultural and social reasons, but is almost always rooted in gender inequality. It is often perceived as a rite of passage into womanhood, a prerequisite for marriage, and a means of controlling female sexuality. In many communities, there is strong social pressure to carry out FGM, and it is seen as an integral part of raising a girl in a culturally acceptable way. In some cases, religious beliefs are cited as justification, yet no religion explicitly prescribes FGM. Therefore, FGM cannot be attributed to any single ethnic or religious group.

The Scope of the Problem

According to a 2019 study by Pharos—a national center of expertise committed to reducing health disparities—approximately 4,200 girls living in the Netherlands were at risk of undergoing FGM over the following 20 years. Besides, they estimated that 41,000 women have already undergone FGM. After renewed warnings from experts at the end of 2024, Pharos is preparing a new prevalence study, which is set to be published by the end of 2025#. Due to the taboo nature of the subject, however, it remains difficult to determine the true scale of the problem accurately. Many cases go unreported or undetected, and victims are often unable or afraid to speak out.

Legal Framework

FGM is recognized as a serious form of child abuse in the Netherlands and is classified as a criminal offense under the Dutch Penal Code. Those who carry out the procedure can face up to 12 years in prison or a fine of up to €76,000. If the offense is committed by the child's parents—either by performing FGM themselves or arranging for it to be done—the sentence can be increased by one-third. Not only direct perpetrators are held accountable; anyone who supports or facilitates the procedure, for example by paying for it, providing instruments, or assisting in other ways, may also be prosecuted for aiding and abetting.

Since 2006, Dutch nationals and residents can be prosecuted for FGM committed abroad. This protection was strengthened in 2013, making it possible to prosecute FGM carried out overseas if the victim is a Dutch citizen or a permanent resident. Additionally, the statute of limitations was extended in 2009, allowing victims to report the crime until they turn 38.

Only one known case has been brought forward by the Public Prosecution Service. In this case, the father of a five-year-old girl was suspected of being involved in her genital mutilation. Although both the District Court in Haarlem (2009) and the Court of Appeal in Amsterdam (2010) concluded that the girl had indeed been mutilated, it could not be legally proven that the father was the perpetrator. As a result, he was not convicted.

It is also not a criminal offense in the Netherlands to publicly recommend or promote FGM. Femmes for Freedom, an organization that advocates for women’s and girls’ rights, has made several attempts to prosecute a preacher from the as-Soennah Mosque in The Hague for endorsing FGM. Initially, the preacher was sentenced to 80 hours of community service for recommending the practice, but in 2023, he was acquitted on appeal. In 2024, the Dutch Council of State clarified that mayors do not have the legal authority to take action against individuals who recommend FGM#. This has created a legal loophole that makes it difficult to act against the public promotion of FGM. There is currently a legislative proposal from the VVD and SP that would make recommending FGM a criminal offense.

Preventive Measures

In addition to criminalization, the Dutch government focuses on prevention. In 2023, a government-run campaign called #Rechtopnee (Right to Say No) targeted young people between the ages of 15 and 25 through social media platforms. The campaign aimed to raise awareness and combat FGM, honor-based violence, forced marriages, and abandonment. The government also trains so-called “key figures”—individuals who are part of communities where FGM may occur. These key figures have a unique position of trust and access, and are trained to influence cultural attitudes and help prevent FGM from taking place.

There are also various educational and informational initiatives funded by the government, as well as efforts to identify potential risk cases. For instance, in 2023, a campaign was launched at Schiphol Airport involving posters and the monitoring of high-risk flights by the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee. The purpose was to detect possible outbound travel connected to FGM. Its impact remains unclear, raising questions about the effectiveness of short-term interventions.

In 2024, a revised anti-FGM declaration was introduced. This document is given to parents from high-risk countries who are planning to travel to their country of origin. The declaration clearly states that FGM is illegal in the Netherlands and outlines the legal consequences. Before school holidays, schools also receive newsletters from the government warning them about the risks of FGM and advising them to remain vigilant.

Doctors, teachers, and care providers follow a professional code of conduct when they suspect a case of FGM. However, they are not legally required to report such suspicions to Veilig Thuis (Safe at Home)—a national network for advice, support, and the reporting of domestic violence and child abuse— or to the local public health authority. In the Netherlands, there is no mandatory reporting obligation requiring professionals in healthcare or education to notify authorities in cases of suspected child abuse. Instead, there is a mandatory reporting code—a structured protocol outlining the steps professionals should take when they suspect abuse. However, these steps are not legally binding, and failure to follow the protocol does not result in legal consequences.

At present, a motion has been passed in Parliament requesting the government to develop a legal advisory obligation. This would make it mandatory for education and healthcare professionals to report suspicions of child abuse—including possible cases of FGM—to Veilig Thuis. A legal advisory obligation could enable earlier intervention, ensure better aftercare for victims, and in some cases prevent the practice from occurring in the first place.

Looking at other European countries, France stands out for its approach to combating FGM. It has implemented a preventive, medically-oriented policy in which PMI doctors (Protection Maternelle et Infantile) are legally obligated to report suspicions of FGM. France has already seen several successful prosecutions related to FGM#. A comparative study conducted in 2010, examining the prosecution of FGM in France and the Netherlands, found that while France’s approach is more proactive, it also faces challenges. Most successful prosecutions were possible only after a “cutter” was discovered, meaning the perpetrator had multiple victims and there was solid evidence. The study also noted that having a legal duty to report does not always lead to actual reports being made. Nonetheless, the mandatory reporting requirement in France has led to successful legal actions.

Conclusion

Female Genital Mutilation remains a pressing human rights and public health issue, even in countries like the Netherlands where it is explicitly outlawed. Despite existing legislation and preventive campaigns, FGM continues to affect hundreds of girls and women, often hidden under cultural taboos and social pressure. While the Netherlands has made strides in criminalizing the practice and raising awareness, significant gaps remain—particularly in prosecution, mandatory reporting, and addressing public endorsements of FGM. Recent efforts, such as updated declarations, community-based interventions, and legislative proposals, mark steps in the right direction. However, more coordinated and enforceable policies are needed to protect those at risk, improve detection, and ensure accountability. Learning from countries like France may offer valuable insights into strengthening the Dutch approach. Ultimately, combating FGM requires a combination of legal action, cultural engagement, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of every girl.