In a landmark step toward advancing children’s welfare, Sierra Leone’s Sixth Parliament has officially enacted the Child Rights Act 2024, replacing the previous 2007 legislation. The new law introduces critical amendments aimed at expanding the protection, promotion, and enforcement of children’s rights in line with international and regional obligations.
July 3, 2025, the Child Rights Act 2024 aligns Sierra Leone’s legal framework with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. It comprehensively addresses emerging threats to children’s well-being including cyberbullying, child trafficking, exploitative labor practices, and all forms of abuse and neglect.
The newly passed Act represents a renewed national commitment to child protection. Among the most notable provisions is the criminalization of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) for anyone under the age of 18 a deeply rooted practice long criticized for endangering the health and rights of girls.
Dr. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, hailed the passage of the Act as a major victory for children across the country. She thanked Members of Parliament and civil society partners for their input and support during the legislative process.
This legislation speaks directly to the realities our children face today, Dr. Mahoi told parliamentary journalists, it firmly addresses cyberbullying, child trafficking, child labor, and most importantly, sends a clear and unambiguous message that violence against children including female genital mutilation is a crime.
The 2024 version of the Act removes vague terminology such as references to honourable cultural practices which critics argued had previously left room for misinterpretation, especially in relation to harmful traditional rites like FGM.
Let it be clear: anyone who subjects a girl under 18 to female circumcision regardless of context is breaking the law, Dr. Mahoi affirmed.
This is not about attacking culture. It’s about protecting lives.
Offenders will now face a minimum fine of 100,000 New Leones (NLe) or other penalties as defined by the law. Dr. Mahoi clarified that the law distinguishes between minors and adults, noting that individuals over 18 have the legal right to make personal decisions, including cultural or traditional rites, provided those decisions do not violate other legal protections.
With this new legislation, the government hopes to empower state institutions, civil society, and communities to better protect children, enhance access to justice, and provide more robust social welfare support systems.
The enactment of the Child Rights Act 2024 marks a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s legislative history placing children’s rights at the center of national development and human dignity.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday,7th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
