By Nelson Manneh
The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) has urged The Gambia Government to implement the law banning the practice of Female Genital Mutilation\Cutting (FGM\C) and hold perpetrators to account.
“The centre will continue to defend the ban on Female Genital Mutilation\Cutting in the country and urges the Gambia Government to play its role by executing the law and holding perpetrators liable for their criminalities,” ACDHRS says.
The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) is a leading advocate for human rights, democracy and good governance on the African continent. With a legacy of transformative impact, ACDHRS empowers individuals and organizations to champion change and promote a just and equitable society across Africa.
ACDHRS in a press release expressed its warm gratitude to the National Assembly of the Gambia for repudiating the Women’s Amendment Bill 2023 by voting down all clauses during the Consideration stage.
“The practice of FGM/C remains a serious human rights violation and a concern to public health thus needs strong condemnation by all stakeholders. The fight against FGM is just commencing and should be the business of every individual in our inquisition to protect the rights of everyone, including women and girls,” the centre stated.
The centre indicated that the practice constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against girls and women violating a person’s right to health, the right to be free from torture and cruel, and inhuman or degrading treatment, adding: “The Centre will continue to advocate against the inhumane treatment subjected to young girls and women in the name of traditional beliefs or rituals.”
The centre said the government of The Gambia has the responsibility to set an example through the enforcement of the law to bring any individual wanting to face the full force of the law. The government should also continue to listen and engage with Civil Society Originations (CSOs) in their quest to advocate for the full implementation of the law.
