(Times of Malta) Half of the girls in Malta who originate from countries where female genital mutilation is practised are at risk of this severe form of violence.
The percentage of girls at risk is the highest among countries forming part of research by the Europe Institute for Gender Equality.
The institute is calling on Malta to strengthen its prosecution of FGM-related crimes and establish an official monitoring system of judicial investigations that would allow for better data collection about the practice.
The island is also being urged to provide multidisciplinary support services, train professionals and tackle misbeliefs about religious requirements.
