Gambian National Assembly’s Rejection of FGM Bill Praised by Rights Experts

The experts emphasized that the vote is a testament to the determination and tenacity of Gambian women and girls, women civil society organizations, and their allies.

Independent rights experts and international and regional expert mechanisms on ending discrimination and gender-based violence against women and girls have applauded the National Assembly of The Gambia's decision to reject a bill that sought to lift the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM). This decision, they argue, avoids setting a dangerous precedent that would have undermined a broad spectrum of women's rights.

The experts emphasized that the vote is a testament to the determination and tenacity of Gambian women and girls, women civil society organizations, and their allies. Their relentless efforts have ensured that the ban on FGM remains in place, thereby protecting the right of women and girls in The Gambia to live free from gender-based violence.

In a statement, the experts said: "The vote is a testament to the determination and tenacity of Gambian women and girls, women civil society organizations and their allies, who have spared no effort to ensure that the ban on FGM is upheld and with it, the right of women and girls in The Gambia to live a life that is free from gender-based violence."

They further praised The Gambia for sending a strong message to the international community that women and girls have an unequivocal right not to be subjected to FGM under any circumstances, in line with The Gambia's obligations under international human rights law.

The statement continued: "We salute the strong message that The Gambia and Gambian society has passed to the international community that women and girls have an unequivocal right not to be subjected to FGM under any circumstances, in line with The Gambia's obligations under international human rights law."

The experts warned that overturning the law would have created a dangerous precedent, rolling back on women's rights to life, health, safety, physical integrity, bodily autonomy, privacy, dignity, and freedom from gender-based violence and torture. They stressed that such a reversal would have had repercussions beyond The Gambia, potentially influencing the status of women's rights globally.

The Gambia's decision to uphold the ban on FGM aligns with its commitments under various international human rights treaties and conventions, reinforcing the nation's stance against practices that harm women and girls. This outcome highlights the importance of maintaining and strengthening laws that protect women's rights and ensure their safety and dignity.