Gambia: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in the EP plenary on the proposed repeal of the law banning Female Genital Mutilation

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President, Honourable Members of the European Parliament,

Following nearly two decades of dictatorship, The Gambia has presented a positive story since it returned to democracy in 2017. It has demonstrated a commitment to defending Human Rights and multilateralism with the United Nations at its core.

It has voted in solidarity with Ukraine. It has been at the forefront of many Human Rights battles, including the Rohingyas in Myanmar. It is a respected member of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

In this positive context, the Bill to repeal the ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), suggested by an independent National Assembly Member, casts a shadow over the reputation of The Gambia. However, it should be made clear that this initiative does not come from the Government.

The European Union has already taken steps to discuss with the Gambian authorities. In quiet diplomacy, we have shared our concerns and passed strong messages through our EU Ambassador as well as through the EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights.

While respecting alternative cultures and traditions, the European Union is against all gender-based violence. The European Union has conveyed the view that legal protection of young women provided for by this 2015 law should not disappear. If it did, it would represent a substantial setback for the status of women in the country.

The Gambian Government, from all our contacts, shares our concerns and there is much hope that the National Assembly would vote against this initiative.

The matter needs to be approached in a way that is sensitive to local politics. Much needs to be done to avoid reinforcing the position and arguments of the Bill's sponsors, who often present themselves as the defenders of Gambia's traditions and culture against the influence and interference of foreign actors. We need to move forward in a way that bases our approach firmly on the commitments already made by The Gambia and its leaders.

Of course, we will continue to broaden our outreach to key political actors in the National Assembly, which is currently examining the proposal at Committee level. We will continue to encourage The Gambia, based on its commitments, to reject these proposals.

Thank you.

Link to the video (starting at 14:14): https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-256116