MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the proposed repeal of the law banning female genital mutilation in The Gambia

23.4.2024 - (2024/2699(RSP))

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 144 of the Rules of Procedure

Miguel Urbán Crespo, Anabela Rodrigues
on behalf of The Left Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B9-0228/2024

NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

B9‑0228/2024

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 its Rule 144,

 

1. Whereas according to UNICEF in 2024, the number of victims of FGM worldwide has increased to 230 million from 200 million eight years ago; whereas more than 144 million victims are in Africa; whereas 76% of Gambian women and girls aged between 15 and 49 have undergone FGM;

 

2. whereas the practice of FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights, reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against girls and women; whereas FGM is mostly carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15 and constitute a violation of children rights;

 

3. whereas FGM can lead to serious health problems, including infections, bleeding, infertility and complications in childbirth, and impairs sexual pleasure; whereas treatment of the health complications of FGM is estimated to cost health systems US$ 1.4 billion per year, a number expected to rise unless urgent action is taken towards its abandonment;

 

4. whereas the introduction of the ban on FGM in The Gambia in 2015 represents a significant milestone in the country's efforts to safeguard the fundamental rights and well-being of women and girls;

 

5. whereas on the 18th of March 2024, a bill was proposed, which would repeal a landmark 2015 ban on FGM that made the practice punishable by up to three years of jail; if it is adopted, The Gambia will be the first country in the world to reverse legal protections against FGM; whereas the bill is now in the hands of a parliamentary committee for further scrutiny before a third reading, that is expected to take three months; the committee can make amendments to the measure;

 

1. Is deeply concerned about the proposed repeal of the ban on FGM, referred to as female circumcision in the 2015 Women’s (Amendment) Act, highlights that this would constitute a severe violation of human rights, and a setback in the global fight against gender-based violence; whereas this bill could have a negative impact for the all-region;

 

2. Urges the Gambian Parliament and authorities to abandon this bill and to comply with international standards and recommendations regarding FGM and human rights; highlights that the country is Gambia is signatory to multiple international instruments that uphold and protect the rights of women and girls and should therefore respect them;

 

3. Urges the government to strengthen its efforts to prevent and address the practice through robust enforcement mechanisms, and targeted interventions with communities, including men and boys, as well as strengthening public health services, and expanding opportunities for women and girls, to address the root causes of FGM;

 

4. stand in solidarity with survivors and all those working tirelessly to end this human rights violation and to protect the rights and dignity of girls and women;

 

5. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the parliament and government of The Gambia, the EU Member States, the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, the EEAS and the UN.