World Book Day: But It’s Not Fair

FGM Conviction Amina Noor

Confirmed court outcome: Amina Noor was convicted in October 2023 and sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment on 16 February 2024. The Court of Appeal dismissed her sentence appeal in July 2024. Read the Court of Appeal judgment, Freedom’s earlier conviction report and current FGM safeguarding guidance. The historical case report below is supplemented by Freedom’s updated safeguarding analysis and the original court records.

In a landmark ruling that reaffirms the United Kingdom’s commitment to eradicating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the Old Bailey has recorded its first conviction for assisting an FGM offence committed overseas. Amina Noor, 40, has been sentenced to a term of seven years’ imprisonment for her role in facilitating the FGM of a three-year-old British girl in Kenya in 2006. This conviction establishes a significant legal precedent in the UK’s battle against FGM, a practice that causes irreversible damage to its victims.

Freedom’s Not in My Name work encourages young men and boys to challenge FGM. Education must be paired with safe opportunities to disclose abuse and clear routes to specialist help.

The case in detail

Noor was convicted at the Central Criminal Court on 26 October 2023 of assisting a non-UK person to carry out FGM on a British girl in Kenya in 2006, contrary to section 3 of the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003. The child, aged three when the offence occurred, later disclosed the abuse to a teacher. Her identity remains protected.

Mr Justice Bryan sentenced Noor to seven years’ imprisonment on 16 February 2024. The Court of Appeal dismissed the sentence appeal on 4 July 2024, explaining how sentencing principles apply to an FGM offence for which there is no offence-specific guideline.

The defence argued that Noor misunderstood the extent of the intended procedure and was subject to cultural and family pressure. The courts nevertheless assessed the evidence and the seriousness of her assistance under the applicable law.

The disclosure to a teacher demonstrates why young people need a trusted adult who can listen privately. Schools should record concerns accurately, act under safeguarding procedures and avoid contacting people who may place the child at further risk.

Freedom Charity’s safeguarding work

Freedom Charity works to prevent FGM through education, safeguarding awareness and practical guidance. The charity’s work includes the children’s novel Cut Flowers and lesson resources developed with the PSHE Association, helping young people identify harmful practices and understand where to seek support.

Freedom’s Red Triangle campaign encourages people to speak out against FGM and support prevention. Its purpose is to make discussions safer, increase understanding and ensure that concerns lead to appropriate help.

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