Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-02-28 10:08:00
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed grave concerns over a private member’s bill introduced with the aim of repealing the anti-FGM law in The Gambia. In a statement issued yesterday, the NHRC highlighted the importance of the Women’s Act (Amendment) 2015, which prohibits the practice of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in the country.
According to the NHRC, FGM/C is not just a health issue but a violation of fundamental rights, including the rights to life, health, bodily integrity, and protection from discrimination and violence. The World Health Organization, UNICEF, and research conducted in The Gambia have all shown the profound and negative health impacts of FGM/C on women and girls.
The proposed Women’s Act (Amendment) Bill 2024 is seen as a rollback of years of advocacy and awareness-raising efforts by women’s rights organizations and defenders that led to the banning of FGM/C in The Gambia. While the commission acknowledges the cultural and religious significance of FGM/C, it asserts that these rights are not absolute and cannot be used to justify human rights violations.
As a signatory to various international and regional conventions and treaties, The Gambia is obligated to protect women and girls from harmful traditional practices. Repealing the Women’s Act (Amendment) 2015 would be a serious violation of these obligations, according to the NHRC.
The commission has pledged to engage with relevant ministries responsible for the rights and wellbeing of women and children and has reached out to political party leaders with representatives in the National Assembly. They have reminded these leaders of their duty to advance the rights of women and girls and have requested their support in ensuring that their representatives do not vote for the Women’s Act (Amendment) Bill 2024.
Overall, the NHRC’s statement underscores the importance of upholding the rights and dignity of women and girls in The Gambia. It calls for continued efforts to protect them from harmful practices like FGM/C and urges all stakeholders to work together to promote gender equality and eliminate violence and discrimination.
Read the original article on The Standard
