Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Unite to Urge The Gambia's Government to Uphold Landmark Law Banning Female Genital Mutilation The landmark judgment by the Kaur/Kuntaur Magistrates’ Court marks the first conviction since the law banning FGM was enacted eight years ago BANJUL, Gambia, October 12, 2023/APO Group/ -- The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations in The Gambia (TANGO), the Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices affecting the Health of Women and Children (GAMCOTRAP) (https://apo-opa.info/3LTjELJ), and the Network Against Gender-Based Violence (NGBV) (https://apo-opa.info/3twZeSD) are joined by 180 civil society organizations from across Africa and around the world in co-signing this open letter urging the Government of the Republic of The Gambia to stand firm in its commitments to protect women and girls by upholding the law prohibiting female genital mutilation (FGM). This letter is in response to deeply troubling comments recently made by some religious and political leaders advocating for the decriminalization of FGM, including regressive statements in the national parliament calling for the law to be repealed. Landmark conviction for female genital mutilation In 2015, The Gambia took a momentous step by amending the Women's Act 2010 to explicitly criminalize FGM under sections 32A and 32B respectively. The Women’s (Amendment) Act of 2015 prohibits FGM, stating that, “a person shall not engage in female circumcision… a person who engages in female circumcision commits an offense” and is liable on conviction to “imprisonment for a term of three years or a fine of fifty thousand dalasis or both; and where female circumcision causes death, to life imprisonment.” Current attempts to remove legal protections were sparked by the convictions in August 2023 of three women for carrying out FGM on eight infant girls. Each offender was ordered to pay a fine of 15,000 dalasis (around $230 US) or serve a one-year prison sentence. The landmark judgment by the Kaur/Kuntaur Magistrates’ Court marks the first conviction since the law banning FGM was enacted eight years ago. Sustained efforts are required to accelerate FGM’s eradication, and we hail the significance of these convictions and their role in addressing impunity. This case underscores the need to bolster enforcement mechanisms and awareness-raising throughout The Gambia, where UNICEF (https://apo-opa.info/3tnK55U) estimates 73% of women and girls aged 15 to 49 have been subjected to this illegal practice. However, we are concerned about the leniency of the sentences, as a fine of just D15,000 does not adequately reflect the crime’s seriousness. Furthermore, some political and religious leaders have openly supported the convicted individuals. Concerningly, they are also publicly advocating for the law against FGM to be repealed, some influential figures have even recommended that FGM be continued. This is despite the promotion or incitement of FGM being criminalized, and such injurious comments being in direct contradiction to the principles of justice, protection, and welfare of women and girls. Widespread concerns over regressive calls to repeal the law against FGM A joint statement (https://apo-opa.info/3QnWOPn) by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) expresses their “deep concern on the current regressive Parliamentary debate” advocating for the repeal of The Gambia’s laws prohibiting FGM. The UN in The Gambia (https://apo-opa.info/3ZPac1X) has also released a statement reaffirming its commitment to supporting the fight to end FGM in The Gambia, highlighting that the prohibition of FGM under the law is in line with The Gambia’s international and regional human rights commitments. FGM has no health benefits and harms girls and women in many ways (https://apo-opa.info/3ZUpnqC). It involves the removal and damage of healthy and normal female genital tissue and disrupts the natural functions of the body. Immediate complications can include severe pain, shock, haemorrhage (bleeding), tetanus or sepsis (bacterial infection), urinary retention, open sores and swelling in the genital area, and damage to nearby genital tissue. FGM can result in death. Long-term effects can include recurrent bladder and urinary tract infections, cysts, painful scar tissue, the need for subsequent surgery, sexual health problems, and mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. FGM can also cause infertility and increased risk of complications during childbirth, such as excessive bleeding and obstetric tearing, which can lead to maternal and infant death. The Gambia has one of the highest FGM prevalence rates in West Africa, and the Foundation for Research on Women's Health, Productivity and the Environment (BAFROW) reports that seven of the country’s nine ethnic groups practice FGM (https://apo-opa.info/46sP4AU). The Gambia’s Government must safeguard women and girls from FGM We, the undersigned, will not relent in our efforts to ensure every girl and woman enjoys her fundamental human rights and has her dignity respected and defended. As such, we stand in solidarity with the survivors, organisations, and activists in The Gambia who have tirelessly advocated for the rights of women and girls, and our commitment remains focused on the experiences and realities of those who endure the trauma of this harmful practice. We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of people who misdirect social and religious adherence to promote FGM to the detriment of the welfare and rights of women and girls, who bear indelible scars while their bodies are reduced to political tools. Regrettably, thousands more in The Gambia remain at risk. The Gambia has demonstrated admirable leadership in taking legislative action against FGM, and the positive ripple effects extend far beyond its borders, influencing other West African nations in their endeavours to combat this entrenched form of gender-based violence. Neighbours have looked to The Gambia as a source of inspiration, drawing valuable lessons and momentum from its progress. Repealing the anti-FGM law would undo the considerable gains made in safeguarding the rights and well-being of women and girls. Furthermore, reversal would potentially weaken the resolve of other nations, undermining the continent’s collective struggle to eradicate FGM and overshadowing many lives throughout West Africa and beyond. As Africa celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Maputo Protocol which under its Article 5 on Ending Harmful Practices, obligates the 44 state parties including The Gambia to end female genital mutilation; we urge the government of The Gambia to stay firm and committed to upholding its obligations under this treaty.  We look to The Gambia to continue demonstrating its leadership in the criminalisation of FGM and for the Government to fulfill its obligations to protect the rights and welfare of women and girls, which entails upholding its commitments under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol) (https://apo-opa.info/48QNI4x). In that regard: 1. We request that the Government and the Ministry of Justice impartially uphold the law against FGM and ensure that those who partake in, support, or advocate for FGM face appropriate consequences according to the law. 2. We call for the protection of the rights and well-being of FGM survivors. They merit our unwavering support, empathy, and access to requisite services. 3. We urge the Government through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Justice to call for a national dialogue that is inclusive of all stakeholders to address the FGM issue. . 4. We pledge to tirelessly raise awareness about the detrimental effects of FGM and replace this practice with culturally enriching alternatives that respect the dignity and well-being of women and girls. 5. We invite all Gambians to stand with us in this endeavour to foster a country where the rights and the dignity of every woman and girl are upheld and defended. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Gamcotrap.Notes to editors: Media contact: Mr. Fallu Sowe National Coordinator for Network Against Gender-Based Violence Tel: +220 4398122/ 763 8129 Email: fallu@ngbv.gm Mrs. Yadicone Njie Eribo Chairperson of The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations in The Gambia (TANGO) Tel: +220 733 3820 Email: Yadineribo@hotmail.com Tijan Bojang Information and Communication Officer GAMCOTRAP Email:Tijubi79@gmail.com Tel:00-220-7130117/3463073 About Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: FGM is a human rights violation deeply rooted in gender equality and discrimination. It violates various human rights under international and national law, including women’s and girls’ rights to equality, life, the security of the person, dignity, as well as freedom from discrimination and torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. FGM often results in lifelong health problems, increased risks during childbirth, psychological trauma, and even death. At the time the practice is carried out, risks include severe bleeding, shock, infection (https://apo-opa.info/3ZZcbAU), other serious injuries, and even death can occur. A girl or a woman who has been subjected to FGM can experience a range of issues, including problems passing menstrual blood or urine, urinary tract infections, pain during sex, less or no sexual pleasure, psychological problems, infertility, and increased risk of complications during childbirth. The importance of eliminating FGM is publicly highlighted by the United Nations within Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which outlines a blueprint for achieving gender equality and empowerment for all women and girls. Target 5.3 under this goal requires all 193 countries that signed onto the SDGs to take action to “eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation” by 2030. The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol) (https://apo-opa.info/48QNI4x) banned FGM in 2003 (Article 5), and the following treaty monitoring bodies have all interpreted FGM as a human rights violation in breach of those treaties: the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (https://apo-opa.info/48O34a8), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (https://apo-opa.info/45nwYzb), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (https://apo-opa.info/45qF6yU), the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (https://apo-opa.info/3M08AN3), and the Convention against Torture (https://apo-opa.info/3trYFJM). Signed by: ACT Alliance Tanzania Forum 1 Action Aid Ethiopia 2 Action for COmmunity Task (ACT-SL) 3 Africa Coordinating Centre for Abandonment of FGM/C 4 African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies ACDHRS 5 Afya Afrika, Kenya 6 Agency for Culture and Change Management UK (ACCM UK) 7 Akina mama wa Africa 8 Amnesty International 9 Amref Health Africa 10 AMREF Health Africa 11 Asia Network 12 Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW) 13 Associate of Karenni Policy Support 14 Association des blogueurs du Bénin 15 Association des femmes juristes du Burkina Faso (AFJ/BF) 16 Association des Mairies des Jeunes du Bénin ( AMJB) 17 Association for Egyptian Female Lawyers, 18 Association Tin Tua (Burkina Faso) 19 AWASH 20 CAFCO / RDC 21 Case Salone Centre for Advocacy and Sustainable Empowerment 22 Center for Social Value and Early Childhood Development ( CESVED) 23 Centre de Formation en Mécanismes de Protection des Droits Humains 24 Centre for Community Mobilisation and Empowerment (CECOME) 25 Child Protection Alliance (CPA) 26 Circuit Pointe 27 Climate Live Tanzania 28 Coaches of Influence Foundation (COIF) 29 Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW) 30 Come Together Widows & Orphans Organisation (CTWOO) 31 Come Together Widows and Orphans Organization 32 Comfort and Hope Development Organisation (COHOD) 33 Commission Indépendante des Droits de l'Homme en Afrique du Nord (The Network of the Independent Commission for Human Rights in North Africa) 34 Compassion CBP 35 Concern for Women 36 COVAW 37 Covenant Foundation for Girls (COFGIRLS) 38 Democratic Socialist Women of the Phillipines (DSWP) 39 Droits Pour Tous 40 End Female Genital Cutting Singapore 41 End FGM/C Canada Network 42 End FGM European Network 43 End FGM/C US Network 44 Equality Now 45 FABSA Foundation 46 Fact Check Centre The Gambia 47 FAMEDEV-Le Réseau Inter Africain Des Femmes,Médias, Genre et Développement (Inter Africa Network for Women, Media ,Gender and Development) 48 Fantanka 49 FAWEGAM 50 Female Lawyers Association Gambia (FLAG) 51 Finnish Mission in Uganda 52 Fondation des Jeunes Amazones pour le Développement (FJAD-ONG) 53 Forum Against Harmful Practices 54 Gambia Association of deaf and hard of hearing.(GADHOH) 55 Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices affecting the Health of Women and Children (GAMCOTRAP) 56 Gambia Family Planning Association (GFPA) 57 Gambia Teachers’ Union (GTU) 58 GAMNASS 59 Girl2Girl Empowerment Movement (G2G) 60 GirlKind 61 GirlKind Kenya 62 Girls Talk Organisation 63 Girls’ Pride Gambia 64 Global Youth Consortium against FGM 65 Hamia Hapa (Uganda) 66 HEFORSHE –THE GAMBIA 67 Himiza Development 68 Hope Beyond Foundation 69 Hope for Women (HFW) 70 I_Rep Foundation 71 I-REP Foundation 72 Iceland Gambia Friendship 73 IFRAH Foundation (Somalia) 74 Il’laramatak Community Concerns (ICC), Kenya 75 Indigenous Women for Health and Equality (DRC) 76 Initiative for Girls Right and Health Development (Uganda) 77 Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices (IAC) 78 Inua Mama Njane CBO, Kenya 79 Joy for Children, Uganda 80 Kadirat 81 Kalyanamitra 82 Keep the Drum and Loose the Knife 83 Kenson Children Development Foundation 84 Kenya Council of Imams and Preachers 85 Kenya Council of Imams and Ulamaa 86 Kids Come First Foundation 87 l'Association des Mairies des Jeunes du Bénin ( AMJB) 88 L’Association Malienne pour le Suivi et l’Orientation des Pratiques Traditionnelles (AMSOPT) 89 LHRC 90 Maine libres 91 Malaysian Doctors for Women & Children 92 Men End FGM Foundation 93 Ministère des Affaire Sociales (DRC) 94 Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Cameroon 95 Mothers’ Health Foundation 96 Mtoto News International 97 Musawah 98 MUTAPOLA The Gambia 99 National Forum of Women with Disabilities 100 National Youth Parliament 101 Network Against FGM/C in Somaliland (NAFIS) 102 Network against Gender-based Violence (NGBV) 103 Network for Reorientation 104 Network Gender Advocators’ Gambia (NGAG) 105 Network of Gender Journalists for Women and Cultural Advancement 106 Network of Girls against Human Trafficking 107 NGO Universal Education 108 Nisa Ul Haqq fi Bangsamoro 109 NooN Legal and Social Organization 110 Nova Scotia Gambia Association (NSGA) ONG Droits Pour Tous 111 ONG CO-GNA Niger 112 ONG Éducation Universelle 113 Orchid Project 114 Oxford Against Cutting 115 Pan African Female Youth Leaders (PANAFYL) 116 Paradise Foundation Initiative 117 Peace Ambassadors The Gambia 118 Peace Hub The Gambia 119 Peace of Mind 120 Plan International - Kenya 121 Pour NouEs 122 Praise Foundation, Sierra Leone 123 Project21 124 Purposeful 125 Raise The Young Foundation 126 Raising Teens Uganda 127 Réseau Nigérien des Défenseurs des Droits Humains (RNDDH) 128 Rural Development Foundation (RDF), Pakistan 129 Rural Initiative for COmmunity Empowerment (RICE-SL) 130 Rural Women Rights Structure 131 Safe Hands for Girls 132 Sahiyo 133 Sainte Philomène, l'espérance 134 Salimatou Foundation for Education 135 Samburu Girls Foundation 136 Save for Children (Tanzania) 137 Silver Lining Kenya 138 Spread Truth Africa 139 State Department for Gender, Kenya 140 STEWARDWOMEN 141 Tanzanian Women Lawyers Association (TAWLA) 142 Tasaru Ntomok Initiative (TNI), Kenya 143 The Association for the Defense of the Right of Household and Domestic Aid Gambia (ADDAD) 144 The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations in The Gambia (TANGO) 145 The Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DSWP) 146 The Five Foundation 147 The Girls’ Agenda (TGA) 148 The New Generation Girls and Women Development Initiative 149 The Survivors of Presidential Alternative Treatment Program (SPATP) 150 The Uncounted 151 Think Young Women 152 Together Africa Gambia Organisation (TAGO) 153 TOSTAN 154 UNFPA Burkina Faso 155 UNRCO/ Uganda Spotlight 156 Voices for the Voiceless Woman Sierra Leone (VVW-SL) 157 Voix de Femmes (VdF) 158 Washington Coalition to End FGM/C 159 Wassu Gambia Kafo 160 WAYASS 161 We Can Cox's Bazar 162 We Speak Out India 163 WILDAF-Bénin 164 Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society (WAVES-SL) 165 Women and Children Aid The Gambia 166 Women In Liberation and Leadership (WILL) 167 Women Initiative for Peace and Security (WIPeS) 168 Women Initiative for Self Help (WISH) Lib. Inc 169 Women Pathfinder 170 Women’s Action for Human Dignity (WAHDSL) 171 Women’s Studies Centre (WSC), 172 World Vision - Tanzania 173 Yakarr Justice 174 Yayasan Kesehatan Perempuan 175 Young People in the Media 176 Young Women Christian Association 177 Youth Anti-FGM Network Kenya 178 Youth Association for Development 179 Youth Educational Support Services (YESS) 180