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

B90243/2024

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the proposed repeal of the law banning female genital mutilation in The Gambia

(2024/2699(RSP))

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its resolution of 12 February 2020 on an EU strategy to put an end to FGM around the world,

- having regard to the statement of the European Commission of 5 February 2024 calling for eradication of FGM worldwide,

- having regard to the statement of 23 February 2024 by the UN in The Gambia on protecting the rights of girls and women from FGM,

- having regard to Rule 144 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas FGM includes all procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical purposes, and whereas it can have serious immediate and long term effects on health and wellbeing of girls and women;

B. whereas FGM is recognised internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women;

C. whereas Goal 5 of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development identifies FGM as a harmful practice to be eliminated by 2030;

D. whereas Gambia passed a law banning FGM in 2015, but its parliament is moving to overturn the ban; which it is now reviewed by a parliamentary committee before a final vote;

E. whereas the repeal of the 2015 Act would reverse gains made regarding the wholesome protection of the rights of women and girls; whereas Janet Ramatoulie Sallah-Njie, the special rapporteur on the rights of women in Africa for the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, said she was concerned that if the FGM law was scrapped, laws on early and forced marriage could follow;

Reiterates its commitment to help eliminate the practice of FGM worldwide and urges States to adopt and enforce legislation prohibiting FGM;

Calls on the government of The Gambia to uphold its obligations under international human rights law and maintain the ban on FGM and to strengthen its efforts to prevent and address FGM through robust enforcement mechanisms, and targeted interventions with communities, including men and boys, as well as strengthening health services, and expanding opportunities for women and girls to address the root causes;

Calls on the Commission, the EEAS and the Member States to step up cooperation with third countries in order to encourage them to adopt laws banning FGM, to support law enforcement authorities in ensuring the implementation of these laws and to prioritise the issue of FGM in its external human rights policy;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, and the Government and Parliament of The Gambia.