Alusine Sersay
Sierra Leone – December 9, 2025: UNICEF Country Representative Rudolf Schwerik has commended Sierra Leone’s recently enacted Child Rights Act 2024 for modernizing child protection frameworks but raised concern that the law does not explicitly prohibit Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Speaking at a press conference to mark UNICEF’s 40th anniversary of partnership with Sierra Leone, Schwerik described the milestone as “a truly special moment in the country’s development story.” He noted that the Act introduces stronger safeguards for children, including clearer duties for reporting and referral, child-friendly justice procedures, improved protection for children with disabilities, enhanced birth registration, and better-defined institutional responsibilities.
However, Schwerik emphasized that the absence of an explicit ban on FGM remains troubling.
“This harmful practice violates the rights of girls, endangers their health and well-being, and is contrary to the child rights commitments the country has made. While we support the government in implementing the current Act, we will continue to advocate—together with partners—for the eventual prohibition of FGM,” he said.
FGM in Sierra Leone: Prevalence and Impact
FGM remains highly prevalent in Sierra Leone. According to UNICEF and World Bank data, 83% of women aged 15–49 have undergone FGM. A March 2025 update by the FGM/C Research Initiative confirmed that Sierra Leone continues to have one of the highest prevalence rates.
FGM is internationally recognized as a human rights violation with no medical benefits. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that the practice involves removing or injuring healthy female genital tissue, interfering with natural bodily functions. It can cause severe immediate risks such as excessive bleeding, infections, and shock, as well as long-term complications including infertility, childbirth difficulties, chronic pain, and psychological trauma.
UNICEF’s Position
Schwerik stressed that while the Child Rights Act 2024 represents progress, Sierra Leone must go further to protect girls.
“FGM is not a cultural tradition to be preserved—it is a harmful practice that undermines health, dignity, and equality. Ending it is essential to achieving true child protection,” he said.
UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Sierra Leone in implementing the Act while continuing advocacy for stronger legal protections against FGM.
As Sierra Leone celebrates four decades of partnership with UNICEF, the organization urged government, civil society, and communities to intensify efforts to eliminate FGM. Schwerik concluded that the journey toward ending the practice requires laws, enforcement, community action, and cultural transformation to ensure that every girl grows up free from harm.