Les mutilations génitales féminines (MGF)

English

The Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the Mali government in 2012-2013 indicated that the prevalence of female genital mutilation reaches 91 % in Mali. A report published by UNICEF in 2013 gives a figure of 89 %.

According to several sources, FGM of type I, II and III is performed. Prevalence is higher in the south and central regions than in the north. It is higher among Muslims than among Christians and animists. A lower proportion of women are affected in the Sonrai, Tamasheq/Bella and Bobo ethnic groups than in the Bambara, Malinke, Peul and Sarakole/Soninke/Marka ethnic groups. FGM is usually performed by traditional cutters. Professional health personnel are called in when complications arise. Several sources observe a growing trend towards medicalisation in urban areas.

FGM is performed in a context where women marry at a relatively early age. Polygamy is legal in Mali and polygamous unions are quite common. Because of strong social pressures, women in rural areas rarely seek a divorce. Violence against women is largely tolerated. The education level of women and girls remains low. Social recognition is the main reason invoked to justify FGM. Other reasons are religious obligation, hygiene and cleanliness, preservation of virginity and wedding prospects, male sexual pleasure, control of women’s sexual life, and traditional beliefs. According to two heads of NGOs fighting FGM who were interviewed by Cedoca, refusal of FGM may entail social stigma and difficulties to find a husband. Parents who refuse FGM for their daughter risk being rejected by their family, according to the same sources.

Criminal law does not prohibit FGM. A bill to criminalise FGM was proposed in 2002 but its passing into law has so far been postponed. A ministerial circular letter prohibits the performance of FGM in healthcare institutions but there is no legal basis to punish FGM.

In 2011, Mali joined the United Nations’ programme to accelerate the abandonment of FGM. At the national level, a four-year action plan was adopted in 2015. Awareness campaigns through the PNLE, CNAPN and CSCOM have led a number of villages to renounce FGM publicly.

Many domestic and international NGOs are active in the field. Some organise awareness campaigns while others call for a legal prohibition of FGM. Representatives of domestic NGOs interviewed by Cedoca say that the reluctance from religious and community leaders is one kind of pressure they have to face. Muslim religious authorities are divided on the question of FGM. Some religious leaders affirm that Islam does not impose FGM whereas others defend the practice in the name of religion. The media also participate in the fight against FGM. Organisations spread their message through radio programmes and debates and with the help of influential figures such as traditional singers and musicians. Women receive free treatment for gynaecological fistulas in healthcare centres. In Bamako a local organisation opened a counselling centre for women victims of sexual violence. In February 2017, on the international day marking the fight against FGM, the Ministry of Justice publicly announced the creation of a fund for victims of FGM.

Policy

The policy implemented by the Commissioner General is based on a thorough analysis of accurate and up-to-date information on the general situation in the country of origin. This information is collated in a professional manner from various, objective sources, including the EASO, the UNHCR, relevant international human rights organisations, non-governmental organisations, professional literature and coverage in the media. When determining policy, the Commissioner General does not only examine the COI Focuses written by Cedoca and published on this website, as these deal with just one aspect of the general situation in the country of origin. The fact that a COI Focus could be out-of-date does not mean that the policy that is being implemented by the Commissioner General is no longer up-to-date.

 

When assessing an application for asylum, the Commissioner General not only considers the actual situation in the country of origin at the moment of decision-making, he also takes into account the individual situation and personal circumstances of the applicant for international protection. Every asylum application is examined individually. An applicant must comprehensively demonstrate that he has a well-founded fear of persecution or that there is a clear personal risk of serious harm. He cannot, therefore, simply refer back to the general conditions in his country, but must also present concrete, credible and personal facts.

There is no policy paper for this country available on the website.

Land: 
Mali

Information about the asylum procedure, tailored to the asylum seeker, can be found at : asyluminbelgium.be.