Austria to launch protective letter against female genital mutilation this autumn

The Austrian federal government, under its National Action Plan to combat violence against women and girls, will introduce a "Schutzbrief" – a protective letter – for individuals at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) from the upcoming autumn. The document, designed to resemble an official ID, will inform recipients that FGM is prohibited in Austria and punishable as serious bodily injury, and it will also criminalise taking girls abroad for the practice. Project leader Hilde Wolf said the letter aims to help families facing pressure during visits to countries where FGM is practiced, such as Egypt. Distribution will occur through designated "hot‑spot" schools, religious institutions and the Austrian Integration Fund, mirroring similar schemes in Germany and Switzerland.

The government estimates around 11,000 women and girls in Austria have already been affected by FGM and up to 3,000 may be at risk. UNFPA gender adviser Cécile Mazzacurati noted that the practice remains widespread in 92 countries, often performed on very young children and increasingly by medical personnel. Austrian authorities stress the importance of educating not only girls but also parents, community leaders and religious figures to prevent the practice.