Statement on FGM Ban in The Gambia

WASHINGTON, DC (July 15, 2024) -- Today, Chairman Vern Buchanan and Ranking Member Dina Titus of the House Democracy Partnership released a statement on The Gambian National Assembly's rejection of the bill to repeal the FGM ban: 

Today we applaud The Gambian National Assembly for their decision to strike down an effort to repeal the 2015 ban on female genital mutilation (FGM). The House Democracy Partnership visited The Gambia recently and met with these important lawmakers to discuss human rights and the safety of women and girls around the globe and in The Gambia. Also during the visit, the delegation heard from a FGM survivor and some of the local civil society groups working to ensure the ban was upheld. A bill to repeal the FGM ban has been pending in The Gambian National Assembly for months.

As Members of Congress and members of the House Democracy Partnership, we look forward to continuing robust engagement with The Gambian National Assembly and we are deeply encouraged by their show of dedication to human rights today. We hope to see full enforcement of the ban and continued educational efforts against the illicit practice of FGM.

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