Somalia has one of the highest rates of female genital mutilation in the world, with national surveys suggesting prevalence rates exceeding 98% in some communities. Despite formal legal prohibitions in some regions, enforcement is virtually non-existent and social pressure to undergo FGM remains overwhelming across all major clan groups.
AMM and Others (conflict; humanitarian crisis; returnees; FGM) Somalia CG [2011] UKUT 445 (IAC) established country guidance on FGM in Somalia, recognising FGM as a form of persecution constituting a serious violation of fundamental rights. Expert witnesses address the current FGM situation, state and community protection availability, daughter-at-risk claims, and internal relocation viability.
Gender-based violence more broadly includes forced marriage, domestic violence, and in Al-Shabaab controlled areas, severe restrictions on women's movement, dress, and behaviour enforced through violence. State protection for women is extremely limited across all regions of Somalia.
FGM prevalence and state enforcement
Somalia has one of the highest FGM prevalence rates globally (exceeding 98% in some surveys). AMM and Others [2011] established FGM as persecution constituting a serious violation of fundamental rights. State enforcement of prohibitions is virtually non-existent, and daughters of FGM survivors may face a well-founded fear of FGM on return.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FGM situation in Somalia?
Somalia has one of the highest rates of female genital mutilation in the world, with national surveys suggesting prevalence rates exceeding 98% in some communities. Despite formal legal prohibitions in some regions, enforcement is virtually non-existent and social pressure to undergo FGM remains overwhelming. Expert witnesses assess the specific ethnic, regional, and family context of the appellant's FGM risk.
How does the AMM country guidance apply to FGM claims?
AMM and Others (conflict; humanitarian crisis; returnees; FGM) Somalia CG [2011] UKUT 445 (IAC) established country guidance on FGM in Somalia, recognising FGM as a form of persecution constituting a serious violation of fundamental rights. Expert witnesses address the current FGM situation, state and community protection, and internal relocation viability in the context of this guidance.