The Gambian National Assembly’s Bill to Repeal its Ban on Female Genital Mutilation

That the Parliament expresses its deep concern regarding the Gambian National Assembly’s consideration of a Bill, which, it understands, would repeal the country’s ban on female genital mutilation (FGM); offers its unqualified condemnation of the practice of FGM; considers FGM to be a violation of the human rights of girls and women, including the right to freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, the right to the highest attainable standard of health, the right to physical integrity, and the rights of the child; notes the World Health Organization’s reported evaluation of the practice as one that has no health benefits and that it can lead to excessive bleeding, urinary problems, shock, psychological problems and even death; understands that the United Nations Population Fund estimates that over four million girls are at risk of FGM each year; believes that no justification for the practice can be found from either the religion of Islam or Christianity; understands that FGM has been outlawed in The Gambia since 2015 with the imposition of fines and prison sentences of up to three years for individuals who engage in the practice, and life imprisonment in instances where the practice has led to death; further understands that the Bill has been referred to a parliamentary committee for further consideration before moving to a final vote of all members of the Gambian National Assembly, and urges lawmakers in The Gambia to retain the ban on FGM and uphold the human rights of Gambian women and girls.