Finland's Minister of Education, Anders Adlercreutz (SPP), said he wants to investigate whether girls are being taken out of the country to undergo female genital mutilation (FMG), and to see how common the practice might be.
Earlier this week, Yle published an investigative story about some Somali parents living in Finland who have sent their children to disciplinary institutions in Somalia. Once there, according to the report, they are subjected to severe treatment — including physical abuse and being locked in chains.
According to news agency STT, Minister Adlercreutz characterised the contents of Yle's report as extremely serious.
"I have asked my ministry to draw up a comprehensive picture of what we know about children who are sent abroad - whether it is concerns so-called educational camps or, for example, genital mutilation of girls or women," he said, according to STT.
Adlercreutz has previously said that it was known that children were being taken abroad for disciplinary reasons, but "we were not aware of such institutions".
In 2024, Finland approved a law specifically banning the practice and preparation of FGM.
