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PRESS RELEASE


** The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) court rules against Sierra Leone on FGM: A landmark victory for human rights.
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** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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MenEngage Africa and Sonke Gender Justice celebrate the groundbreaking ruling by the ECOWAS Court of Justice, issued July 8, 2025, which found Sierra Leone responsible for human rights violations related to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This crucial decision marks a significant stride towards eliminating FGM across West Africa.

The Court's ruling underlines Sierra Leone's failure to enact legislation criminalising FGM, a breach of its international human rights obligations and a violation of the rights of women and girls to dignity, bodily autonomy and security. The case was courageously brought forward by the non-governmental organisations Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) and We Are Purposeful, alongside an FGM survivor, Kadijatu Balaima Allieu.

"This landmark ruling is a cause for profound celebration and a testament to the tireless efforts of civil society organisations and brave survivors," said Jude Thaddues Njikem, Regional SRHR Specialist at Sonke Gender Justice. "It clearly affirms that governments cannot relinquish their responsibility to protect women and girls from FGM. Sonke Gender Justice stands ready to support efforts in Sierra Leone and across the region to ensure this judgement translates into concrete action and a future free from FGM." Njikem commits.


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