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The Government of Sierra Leone has taken a major step toward strengthening child protection with the enactment of the Child Rights Act of 2025.
Passed by Parliament on Thursday, July 3, 2025, the new law introduces stronger safeguards against child abuse, exploitation, and harmful traditional practices.
Following the passage of the law, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Isata Mahoi, addressed the press to clarify the scope and intent of the legislation.
She warned that anyone found initiating a girl under the age of 18 into any form of rite of passage including the Bondo society will now face legal action. The penalties include a fine of not less than NLe 100,000 or imprisonment.
“This law is not against culture,” Minister Mahoi stressed. “But it draws a clear line: no person under 18 should be subjected to harmful initiation practices or any form of violence.”
The Child Rights Act of 2025 is the result of over seven months of intense parliamentary deliberation and stakeholder consultations. Though the final version avoided explicit references to terms like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the law maintains strong provisions against acts that endanger the well-being of children.
Minister Mahoi commended Members of Parliament for what she called a “courageous decision” to protect the nation’s children. She noted that the legislation addresses key issues such as cyberbullying, child trafficking, child labour, and gender-based violence.
“What we have achieved is a significant legal framework that prioritizes the safety and dignity of every child in Sierra Leone,” she said.
To ensure widespread understanding and compliance with the law, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs will soon launch a national public education campaign. This initiative will involve community engagement, media outreach, and collaboration with local leaders to raise awareness about the provisions of the Act.
“This is a new chapter for Sierra Leone,” Minister Mahoi concluded. “We are determined to build a society where every child grows up free from abuse, fear, and harm protected by the law and empowered by knowledge.”
The passing of the Child Rights Act of 2025 represents a pivotal moment in the country’s efforts to align national legislation with international standards on child protection and human rights.
Good move
Good and welcoming news
That’s great and once they are old enough to decide for themselves I know they will reject it once they start enjoying sex and know the importance of that clit.
U people are just taking advantage of women, try it to men side and see the outcome of it. They don’t even know what to do or say again in that house.