The Gambia Bar Association (GBA) has condemned recent public statements advocating for disobedience of the law prohibiting female circumcision, calling them provocative and deeply troubling. In a press release, the Bar urged the Inspector General of Police to issue a stern warning of the legal consequences to anyone considering violating the law and to enforce it resolutely.
The Gambia Bar published a statement reiterating its unshakable commitment to defending the nation’s legal system, human rights, and justice. The Women’s (Amendment) Act of 2015, which forbids female circumcision, commonly known as female genital mutilation and cutting (FGMC), in The Gambia, was the subject of a recent statement from the GBA.
The GBA highlighted how important it is to have a law against female circumcision as a safeguard for women’s and girls’ rights. Since the practice is known to have long-term negative consequences on women and girls, the GBA thinks it should be maintained and encouraged rather than outlawed.
The Association emphasized how crucial it is to defend a female child’s rights, such as her freedom from violence and her right to bodily integrity and good health. They stressed that the Children’s Act of 2005 mandates that the kid’s best interests come first, especially when it comes to any harm the youngster has experienced or could experience.
The GBA voiced concern that abolishing the law will affect The Gambia’s compliance with various international and regional human rights treaties and conventions. These include the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Maputo Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, and others, all of which call for action to end harmful practices affecting women and children.
Finally, the GBA urged members of the National Assembly, the government, civil society, and the general public to take a clear stand against female circumcision and other harmful practices. They underlined the importance of upholding justice, human rights, and protecting the weak in order to create a safer, healthier, and more equal society for all.
