“As the debate over the proposed repeal of the law banning Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) intensifies, we are deeply concerned by the potential reversal of decades of work invested in protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls.

“The proposed repeal of the ban on FGM, referred to as female circumcision in the 2015 Women’s (Amendment) Act, is a severe violation of human rights, and a setback in the global fight against gender-based violence. This move not only disregards the immense suffering experienced by survivors of FGM, but also undermines the progress made in raising awareness, changing attitudes, and mobilizing communities to abandon this harmful practice. It sends a message that the rights and dignity of girls and women are expendable, perpetuating a cycle of discrimination and violence that has no place in a just and equitable society.

“The introduction of the ban on FGM in The Gambia in 2015 represents a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to safeguard the rights and well-being of its female population, and was seen as a model of progressive legislation worldwide. It serves as a beacon of hope for countless girls, many without a voice, who faced the risk of undergoing this traumatic procedure, and it signalled the government’s commitment to ending the harmful practice.

“Repealing this law will set a dangerous precedent and make The Gambia the first country in the world to have stepped back from such commitments.

“The Gambia is signatory to multiple international instruments that uphold and protect the rights of women and girls. Therefore, we firmly call on the government to uphold its obligations under international human rights law and maintain the ban on FGM. We also urge 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 health services, and expanding opportunities for women and girls, to address the root causes.

“We stand in solidarity with survivors, activists, civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, and all those working tirelessly to end this human rights violation. Together, we must redouble our efforts to protect the rights and dignity of girls and women everywhere and ensure a future free from the harmful practice of FGM.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

President Wavel Ramkalawan yesterday during a brief tour in the West region of Mahe, visited the site of key proposed community projects that will directly benefit citizens living in those districts.

At Port Glaud, the President viewed the site of the proposed ATM. Accompanied by the Minister for Local and Community Affairs, Ms Rose-Marie Hoareau, Local Government Officials, the Port Glaud District Administrator as well as representatives of the Mauritius Commercial Bank  (MCB) were able to discuss on site and agree on the final location as well as most appropriate design of the infrastructure required.

In the Anse Boileau district, the President accompanied by the member of the National Assembly for the District, Hon. Phillip Arrisol viewed the sites for the proposed Fish Market and Vegetable Market respectively.

At Baie Lazare, the President viewed potential options for the construction of a new Petrol Station and had the opportunity to discuss how the area in the vicinity of the existing Playground and District Administration office can be redeveloped in order to maximise usage and better serve the community.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

A major upsurge in violence in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo that has seen at least 400,000 people displaced in North Kivu since the beginning of the year risks exposing children to further violence unless their protection can be reinforced.

In the latest incident on Wednesday highlighting the spillover of the conflict into South Kivu province, an explosion in the town of Minova seriously injured four children who require hospital treatment.

“It is tragic that at a busy time of day when many children were returning home from school, this explosion from a bomb maimed four innocent children,” said Katya Marino, UNICEF Deputy Representative to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. “The town is already under incredible strain with massive numbers of new arrivals of internally displaced people”

More than 95,000 newly displaced people, half of whom are children, arrived in Minova in February as the conflict in North Kivu expanded.

Over the past week, UNICEF and local partners distributed essential household supplies in Minova to more than 8,300 newly displaced families. The area is now increasingly difficult to access with assistance, either by road or boat.

In Minova, UNICEF has been assisting children affected by the conflict with a package of basic services since 2023, including wash and health interventions, while supporting community-based networks to refer and protect children affected by armed conflict.

In February alone, UNICEF and partners provided tailored and age-specific mental health and psychosocial support services to more than 1,900 children, provided temporary care to 150 children unaccompanied by or separated from their families while making efforts to find their families, and supported more than 300 survivors of gender-based violence (girls, boys and women) with medical, psychosocial and legal services and economic reintegration.

UNICEF calls on all parties to the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians and allow humanitarian agencies to do their work.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan yesterday took part in the Seychelles National Youth Council’s (SNYC) Think Tank programme, a platform where young professionals come together to discuss pertinent youth issues.

For the first session, President Ramkalawan, welcomed a group of 50 youths from the public and private sectors as well as from the civil society at State House for an inspirational talk followed by an open dialogue focused on various youth related topics.

The session, which was aired live on SBC and streamed on YouTube was an opportunity for the youths to ask questions, share ideas and make proprositions to the Head of State on matters they feel directly impact them.

” My advice to our Seychellois youths is: take time to know yourself. Know what your priorities are in life. Set clear and good principles to live by and remain focused on your goals or dreams. Take time to be young and embrace the various opportunities that are at your disposal,” said President Ramkalawan.

After the dialogue, youths present had the opportunity to interact with the President, the First Lady and other members of the Cabinet of Minister present during a networking session.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.