Tagged:

Gambian Parliament Moves Forward On Bill to Reverse FGM Ban

Gambian lawmakers voted to advance to the next parliamentary stage a bill to reverse the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM), sparking concerns among activists about potential harm to the country's human rights progress.

The ban, in place since 2015, saw a significant decrease in FGM prevalence in Gambia, but proponents of the reversal argue it upholds religious and cultural values. Activists and human rights organizations say the suggested legislation reverses years of progress and risks damaging the country's human rights record. 

A UN report shows a significant drop in female genital mutilation (FGM) in Gambia since it was banned, highlighting the effectiveness of such legislation. The World Health Organization says female circumcision has no health benefits and can lead to excessive bleeding, shock, psychological problems, and death. Gambia faces a critical decision, as repealing the ban would be an unprecedented setback in protecting girls from this harmful practice.

InFocus

Luis Tato/UNFPA

A blade used to perform female genital mutilation (file photo).

Follow AllAfrica

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.