Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mr. Gaye TheVoice
Published on 2024-03-20 07:59:39
Commissioner and Chairperson of The Gambia National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr. Emanuel Joof, recently spoke out about the harmful traditional practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia. He emphasized that FGM is a violation of human rights and stated that the NHRC’s role is to promote and protect the fundamental rights of all individuals within the country.
Mr. Joof highlighted the fact that The Gambia is a signatory to various international and regional conventions and treaties that prohibit harmful traditional practices like FGM. He pointed out that the country is now facing international and regional criticism for its stance on FGM, and emphasized the importance of adhering to these treaties to eliminate this harmful practice.
Addressing the misconception that the anti-FGM campaign is a Western idea, Mr. Joof clarified that it is actually an African convention, citing the Maputo Protocol as one of the agreements that The Gambia has signed. He emphasized that research has shown the negative health impacts of FGM on girls and women, highlighting the fact that it is often performed on children who are unable to make their own choices.
Mr. Joof also highlighted the importance of recognizing that culture is not static and that any cultural practice that jeopardizes the health of individuals cannot be justified. He emphasized the need to prioritize the health and well-being of citizens over cultural norms and traditions, stressing that FGM is a harmful practice that must be eradicated.
In addition to Mr. Joof’s statements, two individuals, Penda S. Bah and Jaha Dukureh, shared their personal experiences as FGM survivors. Both women spoke out about the physical and emotional trauma they endured as a result of undergoing FGM, shedding light on the brutal reality of this harmful practice.
Overall, Mr. Joof’s comments and the testimonies of FGM survivors serve as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to end this harmful tradition. By raising awareness about the human rights violations associated with FGM and advocating for its eradication, individuals like Mr. Joof, Penda S. Bah, and Jaha Dukureh are working towards creating a safer and more equitable society for all individuals in The Gambia.
Read the original article on The Voice Gambia
