Gambia: Bar Association 'Stands Firm' Against Repeal of Anti-FGM Law

The Gambia Bar Association reiterates its resolve to the commitment and advancement of rights of women and girls, while promoting the rule of law and human rights. In a dispatch sent, the Association states that the practice of FGM has"lasting harmful effects on women and girls."The Gambia Bar Association stands firm in its commitment to the promotion of the rule of law, human rights, and justice.

The Bill on the other hand, poses a significant threat to The Gambia's standing and commitments under various international and regional human rights treaties and conventions including the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women , the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa , UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child .

The GBA regards the recent public statements of leaders among proponents of the practice calling for disobedience of the law prohibiting female circumcision, as provocative and deeply troubling. Advocating for female circumcision under any guise, directly contradicts the principles of human rights and protection of children, demonstrating lack of regard for the lives and well-being of children and calls for disobedience of the law, undermine the rule of law.

The GBA calls upon members of the National Assembly, the Government, Civil Society, and the wider public to stand firmly in defence of the rights of the girl child and against female circumcision/FGMC and all other harmful practices. We must together uphold the principles of justice, human rights, and protection of the vulnerable, ensuring a safer, healthier, and more equitable society for all.).

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