The purpose of this guide is to explain the changes that have taken place in the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) since 2013 and how they apply to asylum seekers affected by or at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM). The guide will serve to highlight the relevant provisions of revised EU directives and explain their application in an accessible and pragmatic manner to civil society representatives working with FGM survivors. This aims to enable them to communicate and advocate on the issues relating to CEAS and FGM with relevant state authorities and representatives. Finally, the guide will demonstrate the newly developed state obligations under the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention), by outlining how it reinforces and builds upon existing international, EU and member state legislation.
