The United Nations agencies UNICEF, UNFPA, and WHO have warned that ongoing attempts to repeal the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM) in the Gambia threaten decades of progress toward protecting girls’ rights.
Despite the Gambian parliament’s rejection of such a proposal last year, the practice remains under scrutiny.
In a joint statement released Thursday, the Executive Director, UNFPA, Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director, UNICEF, Catherine Russell,
and WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasised the risks posed by these persistent efforts. “These attempts could gravely undermine the rights, health, and dignity of future generations of girls and women,” they warned, stressing that FGM causes lifelong physical, emotional, and psychological scars.
According to the agencies, while some progress has been made globally—seven countries are on track to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal of ending FGM—urgent action is still required. “We all have a role to play to ensure that every girl is protected and can live free from harm,” said Dr. Tedros.
The organisations highlighted success stories, such as in Kenya and Uganda, where community-led initiatives have effectively reduced FGM. “By strengthening alliances and building movements, we can accelerate change,” Dr. Kanem added.
On the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, the agencies reaffirmed their commitment to working with countries and communities to eliminate the practice and protect girls worldwide.
