Measures taken by the Gambian government to fight female genital mutilation are educational in nature and are insufficient given the continuing traditions and cultural sensitivity regarding these practices. In the absence of legal prohibition, the Gambia is one of the countries with the highest rates of female circumcision (64% in 2010). These practices vary by community. For example, of the nine main ethnic groups, seven practice mutilation between birth and age 16. Among the Mandinkes and Sarakoles, 100% of girls are excised or mutilated. These practices are more common in the Upper River region, but less common in urban areas and among the more educated populations. In 2010, 71% of the population was still in favour of the practice. The Gambia, 2020
The Wolof people are a West African ethnic group found in northwestern Senegal, the Gambia, and southwestern coastal Mauritania. In Senegal, the Wolof are the largest ethnic group while elsewhere they are a minority. They refer to themselves as Wolof and speak the Wolof language. Wolof people are the most detribalized ethnic group in Africa. The Gambia, 2020
Despite the criminalisation of sexual abuse of minors, sexual exploitation of children, and child pornography, more and more children are being employed by the sex industry. Children begin working sometimes from the age of 12. Many are from poor families or have lost parental protection. In exchange for their services, the children receive payment of school or medical fees and other gifts. A special force managed by the army has been put in place to combat sex tourism and to prevent children from approaching areas used for prostitution. These activities often take place in urban hotels, although there is a tendency tomovethem to rural areas due to increased regulations by the hotels themselves. However, no checks are performed and the practice of bribing (corruption) to obtain a child is still common. It should be noted that the Gambia is a country of origin for child trafficking and is not party to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. The Gambia, 2020
