FREETOWN – Sierra Leone has taken a major step in strengthening child protection laws as President Julius Maada Bio on Wednesday signed the long-awaited Child Rights Act 2024 into law.
The legislation, which was approved by Parliament earlier this year, is designed to update and harmonize the country’s legal framework on children’s welfare. It covers areas such as education, healthcare, and protection from abuse, aiming to provide a stronger safeguard for Sierra Leone’s younger population.
However, the Act has drawn controversy for not including an explicit ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) — a traditional practice that remains widespread across many communities.
Rights groups and civil society organizations have praised the law as a progressive measure but described the omission as a “missed opportunity” to tackle one of the most pressing threats to girls’ health and safety. Others argue the legislation still represents progress, providing a legal foundation to build on while keeping space for continued dialogue on sensitive cultural issues.
Observers say the enactment of the Child Rights Act 2024 is likely to reignite debate on how Sierra Leone can reconcile cultural traditions with international human rights standards as the country works toward greater gender equality and child protection.
