Gambia rights commission concerned over moves to repeal Female Genital Mutilation law
Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed concern over attempts to repeal the law that prohibits Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in The Gambia.
The NHRC said it was concerned by the 6 February public notice from the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly regarding a private member's bill that seeks to repeal the anti-FGM/C Women’s Act (2015).
A statement obtained by PANA stated that the commission considers FGM/C as not just a health issue but also a violation of the fundamental rights of women and girls, in particular the rights to life, health, bodily integrity, and protection from all forms of discrimination and violence.
NHRC said the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, and national research conducted in-country have also revealed the profound health impact of FGM/C on our women and girls.
"Thus, this proposed Women’s (Amendment) Bill 2024 is an attempt to roll back many years of advocacy, awareness raising, and struggle by women’s rights organisations and defenders which led to the eventual legal prohibition of FGM/C in the country,” NHRC highlighted in the statement.
The Commission said it recognises that FGM/C is a complex and emotive issue, adding that people have the right to practice their culture and religion.
However, it is universally accepted that these rights are not absolute and cannot be invoked to violate human rights.
“As a party to several international and regional conventions and treaties such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol, The Gambia is therefore obliged to safeguard the fundamental rights of women and girls from harmful traditional practices."
NHRC said the repeal of the Women’s (Amendment) Act 2015 would be a serious derogation from the Gambia’s obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights of women and girls.
It expressed resolve to continue to engage the relevant government ministries with remit to protect the rights and well-being of women and children on this matter.
NHRC said it has also written to all the political party leaders with representatives in the National Assembly on the issue.
-0- PANA MSS/MA 28Feb2024
