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The Gambia: Proposed repeal of FGM ban

COMCMT1R-EP1R-C2R-EPCNCADO

Updated 28mo ago

The European Parliament is urging The Gambia to reject a proposed law that would repeal the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM). This ban, established in 2015, makes FGM punishable by up to three years in prison.

This resolution specifically addresses the Gambian Parliament and Government. It also calls on the European Commission and the European External Action Service to engage with Gambian authorities on this issue.

The Parliament expresses concern that The Gambia could become the first country to reverse legal protections against FGM, potentially encouraging similar actions in the region. It emphasizes that FGM is a violation of human rights with severe health consequences.

The resolution calls on The Gambia to uphold its international human rights commitments and strengthen efforts to prevent and eliminate FGM through enforcement and education. The EU Parliament offers support to civil society organizations working on this issue.

Documents

The proposed repeal of the law banning female genital mutilation in The Gambia

position · EN · 2026-04-02

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Analysis

AI-generated·2 Apr 2026·Source document·Unverified

The Women’s (Amendment) Act of 2015 in The Gambia bans FGM and makes it punishable by up to three years in prison.

What changes

The resolution addresses the proposed repeal of the Women’s (Amendment) Act of 2015, which bans female genital mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia.
The European Parliament urges the Gambian Parliament to reject the proposed repeal of the law banning FGM.
The European Parliament urges the Gambian Government to strengthen efforts to prevent and eliminate FGM through enforcement and awareness campaigns.

Expected impact

The proposed repeal of the FGM ban risks encouraging a weakening of the rights of women and girls in the region.
FGM is stated to be a practice with severe consequences including irreparable physical, psychological, reproductive and sexual health damage, and can lead to death.
FGM prevents women and girls from reaching their full potential and participating in society.

Limitations

The document is a resolution from the European Parliament and does not contain the full text of the proposed law in The Gambia, limiting the analysis of specific legal provisions being repealed.
The document does not provide details on the specific arguments or justifications presented by proponents of the repeal in The Gambia.
The document does not detail the potential economic impacts of either maintaining or repealing the FGM ban.

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