President Bio Signs New Child Rights Act Into Law
Valentine Benjamin Conteh President Julius Maada Bio has officially signed the Child Rights Act 2024 into law, strengthening legal protections for children across the country.
The Act, passed earlier this year by Parliament, aims to modernize and consolidate existing child protection laws. It includes provisions for children’s education, healthcare, and protection from abuse.
However, the law has sparked public debate because it does not explicitly ban Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a traditional practice still present in some communities.
Human rights and child protection groups welcomed the law but criticized it as a missed opportunity to address FGM and other harmful practices affecting girls.
Supporters of the Act say it provides a strong legal framework for child welfare while allowing space for ongoing dialogue on sensitive cultural issues.
The signing of the law is expected to reignite discussions on balancing cultural traditions with human rights protections in Sierra Leone.