Freetown, Sierra Leone – July 6, 2026 — The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs has issued an immediate and forceful condemnation of a video featuring undignified images of an adolescent girl that is currently trending on social media platforms.
In an official statement released today, the Ministry described the content as a “grave breach” of Sierra Leone’s statutory protections for children and a serious violation of the girl’s dignity and human rights.
The statement highlights growing public concern over similar reports of human rights violations against women and children, particularly girls, circulating online.
“The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs strongly condemns a recent video circulating undignified images on social media about an adolescent girl,” the statement reads. “Such content not only violates the dignity and rights of the child involved but also constitutes a grave breach of Sierra Leone’s statutory protections for children.”
The Ministry noted that the video depicts degrading, inhumane treatment and sexual assault, calling on the public and law enforcement to help identify those responsible so that appropriate redress mechanisms can be activated.
It emphasized that protecting women and children is a shared responsibility involving families, communities, traditional leaders, service providers, and all levels of government.
Authorities reminded citizens that sharing or circulating such material is a criminal offense. Offenders will be prosecuted under key legislation, including the Sexual Offences Act 2012 (as amended in 2019), the Cyber Crime Act 2021, the Child Rights Act 2025, and other relevant legal frameworks. These laws specifically criminalize the production, distribution, and circulation of sexually exploitative material involving minors, including through digital platforms and social media.
The statement further urged the public to stop sharing the video to avoid compounding harm to the survivor and to instead report any suspected abuse immediately. Recommended channels include:
– The Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Sierra Leone Police
– The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairshotline: 116 (free on Orange, Africell, and QCELL networks)
The Ministry announced it is scaling up prevention programs and survivor support services while calling on parents, guardians, and community leaders to practice positive parenting and remain vigilant. It also appealed to the Sierra Leone Police and other law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter urgently and bring perpetrators to justice.
In closing, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights of all children in Sierra Leone, strengthening enforcement of laws against sexual abuse and cyber exploitation, and working with government partners and civil society to end violence against women and children.
This latest development underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to combat online child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors in the digital age.
