Tutti Drammeh made this disclosure recently at a national dialogue organised by Catch Them Young and UNICEF Gambia on Female Genital Mutilation, Child Marriage and Sexual Violence held at Baobab Hotel.
“We also hear people say the practice should be a matter of choice. Our message to those people is that FGM cannot be considered a matter of choice. Harming human beings cannot be an option, even being their parents does not give anyone the right to harm children.” she stated.
She explained that the state holds a responsibility under all international and local human rights instruments such as CEDAW, UNCRC and The Gambia Women's Amendment Act to protect girls and women.
“Most of us believe that when the NAMs succeed in repealing this law, they will go after the child marriage law. We cannot afford to get there! This is not the era of regression but progression.”
Ms. Nafisa Binte Shafique, UNICEF Gambia representative, disclosed that for several weeks and months now, they have all been witnessing a temp and initiatives aimed at repealing the law banning FGM in The Gambia.
The proposed repeal of the ban of FGM, she added, is a severe violation of human rights and a setback in the global fight against FGM”.
“Repealing this law will set a dangerous precedent and a step back on Gambia’s commitment to protect girls and women.” she added.
She further called on the government to uphold the obligations under international and national human rights law to maintain the ban on FGM.
Catch Them Young - The Gambia a non-governmental organisation dedicated to discovering, nurturing and unleashing the potentials of children.
