The Law and FGM/C: Oman

There are no national statistics on the prevalence of FGM/C in Oman. Various academic studies and small-scale surveys have reported prevalence rates of between 20% and 95%. Girls in Oman are thought to undergo FGM/C Type I and Type II. One study found that almost all the participants over the age of 15 years had been circumcised, and a quarter of another survey said they had experienced FGM/C between the ages of 1 and 5 years.

FGM/C has been reported as occurring throughout Oman, including the southern region of Dhofar, Sharqiya in the north, Dakhiliya, and the coastal region of Batina. According to research, women originating from Muscat are less likely to have undergone the practice.

There is no specific law criminalising those who perform FGM/C. However, some provisions of the Omani Penal Code (2018) can be read as addressing and prohibiting FGM/C practices. The Ministerial Decision 125/2019 Issuing the Executive Regulation of the Law of the Child makes specific reference to FGM/C.