Human Rights Commission Calls for Amendment of Child Rights Act to Criminalize FGM

The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has called on the government to urgently amend the recently enacted Child Rights Act 2025 to explicitly criminalize Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) against underage girls.

The appeal was made during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Pre-session in Geneva, where HRCSL Vice Chairperson Victor Idrissa Lansana delivered a statement outlining concerns over gaps in the new legislation.

According to Lansana, the absence of a clear prohibition of FGM within the Child Rights Act 2025 weakens protections for children and undermines their fundamental rights. He urged lawmakers to amend Section 19 of the Act to expressly ban the practice against minors.

“The cultural practice of FGM against girls undermines their rights to health, education, dignity and life,” Lansana stated, emphasizing the need for urgent legislative action.

While acknowledging progress made through laws such as the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, Lansana noted that implementation remains a challenge. He pointed out that many rural women continue to face barriers in accessing financial resources and empowerment initiatives intended under existing legislation.

The Commission also highlighted operational constraints affecting its work. Lansana disclosed that since HRCSL’s establishment in 2004, the institution has received only one government vehicle, provided in 2022, which he said limits its ability to effectively conduct nationwide monitoring and investigations.

Despite these challenges, HRCSL reaffirmed its independence and mandate to hold the government accountable to its human rights obligations. Lansana stressed that adequate logistical support and timely funding are essential for the Commission to respond effectively to rights violations across the country.