The Law and FGM/C: Yemen

FGM/C prevalence in Yemen varies greatly from district to district and governorate to governorate. The 2013 National Health and Demographic survey found prevalence between 80–85% in the eastern rural coastal governorates of Hadramout and Al-Mahrah respectively. However, in other governorates, such as Amran, Sana’a, Al-Jawf, the prevalence rate was less than 1%, indicating wide geographical difference across the country.

There is no specific law criminalising FGM/C in Yemen. However certain provisions of the Yemen Penal Code (10) can be read as addressing and prohibiting FGM/C practices. The Constitution includes some provisions that directly or indirectly address the rights of children and the rights of parents in relation to women and children.