Nigeria: Information on female genital mutilation including the areas where it is practised, the ages at which it is performed, whether the state condones the practice, its prevalence and extent among the Christian community
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 January 1997 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | NGA25968.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Nigeria: Information on female genital mutilation including the areas where it is practised, the ages at which it is performed, whether the state condones the practice, its prevalence and extent among the Christian community, 1 January 1997, NGA25968.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ab3d0.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to a 1 November 1994 Xinhua report, a draft decree made female genital mutilation (FGM), an offence punishable by seven years imprisonment. The decree reportedly defined a Nigerian child as "any person below the age of 18 years" (ibid.). The source stated that the decree was awaiting approval by the president, but information on whether it was passed, became law or has entered into force could not be found among the sources currently available to the DIRB.
For detailed information about FGM, the age at which it is practised, and its prevalence and extent in Nigeria, please consult the attached documents.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
Reference
Xinhua News Agency. 1 November 1994. "Circumcision in Nigeria to Be an Offence." (NEXIS)
Attachments
Xinhua News Agency. 1 November 1994. "Circumcision in Nigeria to Be an Offence." (NEXIS)
Hosken. Fran P. 1994. 4th rev. ed. The Hosken Report: Genital and Sexual Mutilation of Females. Lexington, Mass.: Women's International Network News, pp. 1-17.