The Law and FGM/C: Turkiye

There is very little data about the prevalence of FGM/C in Türkiye. However, given that it is practiced in certain Kurdish communities and in the neighbouring regions of Iraqi Kurdistan and northwest Iran, it is very likely that the practice is also carried out in the south-eastern parts of Türkiye that are mainly inhabited by Kurds. Approximately 18-20% of Türkiye’s population is Kurdish; therefore, there is likely some sort of prevalence of FGM/C within this community.

There is no specific law criminalising FGM/C in Türkiye. However, certain provisions of the Turkish Penal Code (7) can be read as addressing and prohibiting FGM/C practices, and if FGM/C is held to be a criminal offence under the Penal Code, then other aspects of the Penal Code can be applied, for example assisting in a criminal offence, or failing to report a criminal offence. This hinges on recognition of FGM/C as a criminal offence.