The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) has commended the Gambian parliament for upholding ban on female genital mutilation.

The human rights body said it will continue to defend the ban on Female Genital Mutilation/Cut (FGM/C) in the country and urged the Gambia Government to play its role by “executing the law and holding perpetrators liable for their criminalities”.

“The practice of FGM/C remains a serious human rights violation and a concern to public health thus needs strong condemnation by all stakeholders. The fight against FGM is just commencing and should be the business of every individual in our inquisition to protect the rights of everyone, including women and girls.

“The practice constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against girls and women violating a person’s rights to health, the right to be free from torture and cruel, and inhuman or degrading treatment. The Centre will continue to advocate against the inhumane treatment subjected to young girls and women in the name of traditional beliefs or rituals,” the Centre said in a reaction statement.

“The government of The Gambia has the responsibility to set an example through the enforcement of the law to bring any individual wanting to face the full force of the law. The government should also continue to listen and engage with Civil Society Originations (CSOs) in their quest to advocate for the full implementation of the law,” it added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba