International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Despite a concerted effort to stamp out the practice, female genital mutilation (FGM) is rife in the UK.

According to the Independent on Sunday, the police are facing growing criticism for failing to prosecute a single person for carrying out FGM in the past 25 years.

The papers states that research conducted by the Foundation for Women's Health, Research and Development shows a lack of convictions and a failure by government to invest in education about FGM means that the practice continues.

Ruth Rendell, a leading campaigner against FGM, told the news provider: "I have repeatedly asked questions of ministers from all departments about why there has never been a prosecution and why we still do not have a register of cases.

"But while they are always very sympathetic, nothing ever seems to get done."

Earlier this month, Uganda officially outlawed FGM, meaning any individual found guilty of carrying out the procedure faces ten years in jail.

Posted by David Smith