Honour from Paris 11.07.2007, 10:37

France is the leading country in Europe in fighting FGM effectively.

Today I´m honoured in Paris as "Chevalier de la Legion d’honneur". "This decoration is an expression of regard, for what you as a UN-Special Ambassador are contributing in the fight against FGM" writes president Sarkozy. I´m glad and proud to receive that decoration. Especially because France is the only country in Europe taking efficient and successful measures in the fight against FGM. Even though more than 500,000 women in Europe of African and Asian origin have become victims of this crime and every year, especially now during the holiday time, thousands of girls in Europe are threatened by it, many politicians still do not take this cruel ritual performed on small girls seriously enough. France is the only exception: The trials against women, carrying out female genital mutilation, should be taken as a role model for the other European countries.