In the run-up to the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, due to take place on February 6th, the European Commission and the High Representative, Josep Borrell, reaffirm the “strong commitment” of the EU to eradicate female genital mutilation worldwide. “Female Genital Mutilation is a violation of human rights and a form of violence against girls and women. Let us be clear: these procedures do not happen for medical reasons. The lives of girls are at risk, their human rights are violated and they suffer lasting physical and psychological trauma. There is simply no justification for Female Genital Mutilation”, the joint statement says. “Communities, governments, organisations and international partners shall unite to protect women and girls’ human rights, dignity and health. The European Union will continue to cooperate with international partners in a zero-tolerance approach towards Female Genital Mutilation to strive for a World where every girl and woman is free from any form of violence”. “Last year, the European Union ratified the Istanbul Convention. This is a crucial step underlining violence against women as a human rights violation. Another important step will be to enshrine the effective criminalisation of Female Genital Mutilation in EU law. We are working on these rules and they will be part of a broader legal framework to combat all forms of violence against women”.