Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 29
29
Accepted
Provide FGM training to border officials and foster inter-departmental engagement for effective case monitoring.
Recommendation
The Home Office should ensure that border officials have sufficient training on FGM to ensure they can identify potential cases and intervene when necessary. There should also be close engagement between departments, such as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Home Office, and the Department for Education, including social services, to ensure that suspected cases are monitored effectively. (Recommendation, Paragraph 84)
Government Response Summary
The government states that Border officials already receive training, including mandatory e-learning, to identify and deal with FGM risks, and this training is regularly reviewed. Joint operations are ongoing, and the Forced Marriage Unit provides support and training to frontline professionals, including border officials.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Response: Border Force has a key role in identifying victims and perpetrators of FGM as they cross the UK border. Border officials receive training in how to identify and deal with any vulnerable person including those at risk of FGM. This training is reviewed and updated to ensure it continues to fulfil those ICIBI (Independent Chief Inspector for Borders & Immigration) expectations. Training includes mandatory e-learning on recognising and preventing FGM. A rolling programme of joint Police and Border Force operations called ‘Operation LIMELIGHT’ takes place at airports, seaports and international rail stations around school holiday periods, targeting inbound and outbound traffic to and from countries with a high prevalence of FGM, forced marriage and other harmful practices. Where a British National or habitual resident has been taken abroad for the purpose of FGM, the joint Home Office and FCDO Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) can provide support including via consular services. This can include engagement with Border Force. The FMU run an extensive programme of outreach and training to frontline professionals, including to border officials, to help them spot the signs and effectively manage cases of forced marriage and FGM.