By Buba Gagigo
A joint statement from UNICEF’s and UNFPA’s representatives in The Gambia has raised alarms over the potential repeal of the nation’s law against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
“As the debate over the proposed repeal of the law banning Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) intensifies, we are deeply concerned by the potential reversal of decades of work invested in protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls,” they said.
Both agencies emphasized that the suggested repeal of the ban on FGM, labeled as female circumcision in the 2015 Women’s (Amendment) Act, constitutes a grave infringement of human rights and a setback in the global battle against gender-based violence.
“This move not only disregards the immense suffering experienced by survivors of FGM, but also undermines the progress made in raising awareness, changing attitudes, and mobilizing communities to abandon this harmful practice. It sends a message that the rights and dignity of girls and women are expendable, perpetuating a cycle of discrimination and violence that has no place in a just and equitable society,” they said.
They highlighted that the 2015 enactment of the FGM prohibition in The Gambia was a landmark achievement in the nation’s commitment to protect its female citizens and was globally acknowledged as exemplary and progressive legislation.
“It serves as a beacon of hope for countless girls, many without a voice, who faced the risk of undergoing this traumatic procedure, and it signaled the government’s commitment to ending the harmful practice,” they continued.
Both agencies further contended that repealing this law would establish a ‘dangerous’ precedent and make The Gambia the first country globally to regress from such commitments.
“The Gambia is signatory to multiple international instruments that uphold and protect the rights of women and girls,” they said.
They emphatically implore the government to honor its international human rights commitments by preserving the FGM prohibition.
“We also urge the government to strengthen its efforts to prevent and address the practice through robust enforcement mechanisms, and targeted interventions with communities, including men and boys, as well as strengthening health services, and expanding opportunities for women and girls, to address the root causes.
“We stand in solidarity with survivors, activists, civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, and all those working tirelessly to end this human rights violation. Together, we must redouble our efforts to protect the rights and dignity of girls and women everywhere and ensure a future free from the harmful practice of FGM,” they concluded.