Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-03-04 09:39:00
A private bill seeking to repeal the anti-FGM law has been introduced at the National Assembly, sparking a strong commitment from the majority caucus to ensure it is defeated. The bill, put forward by Almameh Gibba of Foñi Kansala, aims to repeal the Women’s (Amendment) Act 2015 and is scheduled for its first reading today.
Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie emphasized the importance of upholding human rights and ensuring the health and well-being of every citizen, particularly women and girls. He pointed out the harmful consequences of FGM, both physically and emotionally, and expressed the caucus’s determination to prevent the proposed amendment from being enacted.
Njie stressed the significance of national interest, human rights protection, good governance, and the overall well-being of the country in opposing the repeal of the law. He urged all members to fulfill their duties impartially and uphold the rule of law. The majority caucus is resolute in its commitment to preserving the existing legislation that safeguards the health of women and children.
While advocating for a temporary halt on prosecuting violators of the law, Njie underscored the need for extensive awareness campaigns to educate the public. As consultations continue within the majority caucus, Majority Leader Bilay Tunkara emphasized the complexity of the issue, involving religious, cultural, human rights, and health considerations. The caucus is diligently researching the matter and will announce its position by March 18.
Efforts to gather input from key figures such as minority leader Alhagie S. Darboe, NRP leader Hamat Bah, UDP spokesperson Almamy Taal, and GDC admin secretary Modou Nyang were met with limited success, as some declined to comment at this time.
Overall, the stance of the majority caucus in the National Assembly signals a firm dedication to protecting the rights and well-being of individuals, especially in sensitive matters like FGM. The ongoing discussions and consultations underscore the importance of thoughtful consideration before taking a definitive position on such a significant issue.
In conclusion, the introduction of the private bill to repeal the anti-FGM law has sparked a robust response from key stakeholders, highlighting the deep-rooted commitment to preserving human rights and ensuring the health and welfare of all citizens. The deliberations within the National Assembly reflect a conscientious approach to addressing complex issues that impact the well-being of society as a whole.
Read the original article on The Standard
