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ADNews-Monrovia: The Swedish Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Karl Backéus alarms about the resurgence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in some regions, with communities reverting to this harmful practice which undermines the hard-fought progress and sacrifices made by advocates and survivors.
Speaking on behalf of Sweden, EU, and Ireland Embassies over the weekend in Monrovia on the event marking the celebration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, Amb. Backéus Said that such backsliding threatens not only the lives and well-being of girls but also Liberia’s standing as a nation committed to human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development.
He characterized the act as a betrayal of the young girls who are seeking protection and hoping for a future free from harm and discrimination.
“ We cannot allow this to continue. I therefore call upon the government to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to protecting women and girls by: • Upholding and enforcing the national ban against FGM by Chief Zanzah Karwor, made on this day in 2023. • By strengthening protection for girls at risk and ensuring accountability for those who violate their rights. • By expanding community education and alternative livelihood programs for traditional practitioners. • By partnering with civil society, traditional leaders and international stakeholders to sustain the momentum towards eradication. • And finally, to reinforce these measures, protecting girls in Liberia is not a rejection of tradition; it is an affirmation of the value of the young girls and women in this country, an affirmation of a Liberia that values life, dignity, and progress. To the women and girls who continue to suffer in silence, we see you, we hear you, and we will not stop fighting for you.
“This day serves as a stark reminder of the urgent work that remains in our fight against harmful traditional practices that rob the girls of this country of their future. Liberia has made significant strides in the fight against FGM. We have witnessed historic commitments and policy advances aimed at securing the rights of women and girls. The commitments have been at the highest levels, and include the national ban on FGM by the then-head of the National Council of Chiefs and Elders. These steps have not only been critical in aligning Liberia with its international obligations. They have also helped cement Liberia’s image on the world stage as a nation committed to respect for human rights. Liberia stands out, as can be seen in the strong support that is being shown in the bid for a seat on the UN Security Council. However, despite these efforts, we stand at a crossroads,” Amb. Backéus expounded
He maintained that FGM leads to lifelong physical and psychological trauma, contributes to high maternal and infant mortality rates, and the continued marginalization of women in this society.
Karl urges the government to pass legislation banning on FGM and encouraged the traditional leaders to uphold the promises they have made to abandon FGM emphasizing that they are the custodians of culture, and culture is not static but evolves to reflect the best values of society.
On behalf of the Embassies, Amb. Karl Backéus reaffirms their collective responsibility and commitment to protect the dignity, health, and fundamental rights of women and girls in Liberia noting that change is possible, and together, they can achieve a Liberia where every girl is free to live, thrive, and shape her own future.
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