United Youth of Ireland

For immediate release 10/June 2012

Marking the passing of the Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation) Act 2012

What: United Youth of Ireland Appreciation Ceremony to mark the recent passing of the Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation) Act 2012 in Ireland.

Where: Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2

When: 6PM to 9PM, Friday 15 June 2012

Ifrah Ahmed and United Youth of Ireland (UYI) will hold an Appreciation Ceremony to mark the recent passing of the Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation) Act 2012 in Ireland. Ifrah is one of the leading voices in the campaign against FGM in Ireland.

This event will take place on Friday 15 June 2012 from 6PM to 9PM and will celebrate the hard work, dedication and commitment of campaigners and government alike to see this Act come into force following almost a decade of work.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr. Andrew Montague is supporting UYI by hosting this event in the Mansion House in Dublin. Expected at this invitation-only event are key political representatives, non-governmental organisations, activists, academics and lawyers who have been involved in seeing this legislation come to fruition.

Ifrah Ahmed, founder of United Youth of Ireland, said “We are delighted that this important piece of legislation has passed through the Houses of the Oireachtas and is now law. Ireland as an island, both the Republic and Northern Ireland, at this moment has coherent, strong legislation against the practice of FGM. This sends an key message to everyone that FGM is unacceptable and that girls and women are worth protecting. We are looking forward to working together with NGOS, communities and the Irish government to eradicate FGM globally and this new legislation in Ireland is a significant step on that journey.”