In recent years, Sierra Leone has taken a bold step towards protecting the rights of its children by passing the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024. This landmark legislation, signed by the country’s leaders, has outlawed all forms of child marriage, including giving consent to and attempting child marriage, officiating, attending, and promoting it, as well as using force or ill-treatment against children. This act is a significant move towards ensuring the safety and well-being of children in Sierra Leone.
Child marriage is a deeply rooted issue in many countries, including Sierra Leone. Often, it arises from poverty, cultural beliefs, and gender inequality, with girls being the most affected. According to UNICEF, 39% of girls in Sierra Leone are married before their 18th birthday, and 13% before the age of 15. This practice not only deprives girls of their childhood but also has severe consequences on their health, education, and future opportunities.
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 is a vital step towards ending this harmful practice and protecting the rights of children in Sierra Leone. The act clearly states that no person shall contract marriage with a child, which means that anyone who engages in or promotes child marriage will face legal consequences. This sends a strong message that child marriage will not be tolerated in Sierra Leone.
Moreover, the act also criminalizes anyone who gives consent to or attempts to marry a child, whether it is the child’s parents or guardians. This is an essential provision as it addresses the root cause of child marriage, which is often the pressure from parents or guardians, who see marriage as a way to escape poverty or protect their daughters from sexual violence. By holding them accountable, the act aims to change the mindset and behavior of parents and guardians and discourage them from marrying off their children.
In addition to this, the act also prohibits the officiating and attending of child marriages. This includes traditional leaders, religious leaders, and any other person who facilitates or witnesses the marriage of a child. This provision is crucial as it involves the entire community in ending child marriage. It sends a message that child marriage is not acceptable in any form, and everyone has a responsibility to prevent it.
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 also recognizes the use of force or ill-treatment of a child in the context of marriage as a criminal offense. This is a significant step towards protecting the physical and emotional well-being of children. It acknowledges that child marriage is a form of violence against children and must be stopped.
The passing of this act is a significant victory for the children of Sierra Leone and a testimony to the country’s commitment towards protecting their rights. It is a result of years of advocacy and collaboration between the government, civil society organizations, and international partners. It is also a demonstration of the government’s determination to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal of ending child marriage by 2030.
However, passing the legislation is just the first step. The real challenge lies in its implementation. It is crucial that the government and other stakeholders work together to raise awareness about the law and its provisions. This will help change the mindset and behavior of communities towards child marriage. The government should also invest in programs that empower girls, provide them with education and skills, and create economic opportunities for them. This will give them a better chance at making informed choices about their lives and breaking the cycle of poverty and child marriage.
In conclusion, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 is a significant achievement for Sierra Leone, and it sets an example for other countries to follow. It is a powerful tool in the fight against child marriage, and its implementation can bring about a positive change in the lives of children. It is now the responsibility of all Sierra Leoneans to ensure that the act is enforced, and every child is given the right to a happy and healthy childhood. Let us all work towards a future where every child in Sierra Leone can reach their full potential without being forced into marriage.
