By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, July 7, 2025 — The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has voiced grave concern over the recently passed Child Rights Act, 2025, following a public disclaimer from Parliament clarifying that the law does not criminalize Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) for minors or prescribe penalties for perpetrators.
In a press release issued Monday, HRCSL expressed deep disappointment that the law fails to protect girls under 18 from what it termed “cruel and inhumane treatment,” emphasizing that minors lack legal capacity to consent to such practices. The Commission highlighted its previous recommendations to Parliament during the law’s review, urging a ban on FGM for children as a safeguard against harm and rights violations.
“We viewed the new Child Rights Act as an opportunity to address this historic injustice against vulnerable children,” HRCSL noted, lamenting that lawmakers chose otherwise.
The Commission now calls on President Julius Maada Bio to withhold assent to the Act and return it to Parliament for amendment, specifically to include protection of minors from FGM. It argues such an inclusion would significantly enhance child welfare and align national law with international human rights standards.
Vice Chairperson Victor Idrissa Lansana assured the public of HRCSL’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding the rights of all citizens, particularly vulnerable groups.