Woman jailed in UK for Taking Child to Kenya for Genital Mutilation

A woman named Amina Noor, aged 40 and from Harrow, north-west London, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for her role in a disturbing case of female genital mutilation (FGM) involving a three-year-old British girl during a trip to Kenya. This is the first conviction of its kind in the UK.

Noor was found guilty last year of aiding a non-UK person in carrying out the procedure overseas 18 years ago. She is the first person to be convicted for taking someone to another country for FGM and only the second person in the UK to be sentenced under the FGM Act of 2003.

The previous case was in 2019, involving a Ugandan woman from Walthamstow, east London, who was sentenced to 11 years for cutting a three-year-old girl.

During her sentencing at the Old Bailey, Mr Justice Bryan described the crime as “truly horrific and abhorrent.” He expressed hope that the victim’s courage would inspire others to come forward and report similar incidents.

Amina Noor arrives at the Old Bailey (Picture: PA)

In a statement to the court, the victim expressed understanding towards Noor, acknowledging the pressures and lack of education that influenced her actions.

The incident occurred in 2006 when Noor, aged 22, travelled to Kenya with the toddler and subjected her to FGM in a private house. Years later, the crime came to light when the girl confided in her English teacher at 16. Noor claimed she believed the procedure was just an injection and was shocked to learn the extent of the harm inflicted on the girl.

During the trial, Noor explained that she felt pressured by her community and faced threats of being cursed and disowned if she did not participate in the practice, which she referred to as “Sunnah,” meaning tradition in Arabic. She highlighted the cultural prevalence of FGM among females of Somali origin in Kenya, citing United Nations figures.

Noor’s defence also mentioned her background, stating that she was born in Somalia and moved to Kenya at eight during the civil war in her home country. She later came to the UK at 16 and was granted British citizenship.

Outside the court, Met Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy expressed hope that the sentencing would deter others from harming children in this manner. It emphasized the importance of raising awareness about FGM and supporting victims.

The victim, now 21, remains anonymous for legal reasons. Furphy hopes the case will raise awareness and encourage victims to seek help and support.