By: Saidu Jalloh, Reporter D.S
The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has expressed profound concerns regarding a recent statement from the Parliament about the Child Rights Act of 2025, currently awaiting Presidential Assent.
In a press release dated July 7, 2025, Parliament clarified that the new legislation “neither criminalizes Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) nor imposes penalties on individuals found guilty of circumcising girls under the age of eighteen.”
The HRCSL has condemned this decision as troubling and disappointing, arguing that it permits the ongoing suffering of underage girls subjected to harmful cultural practices. The Commission stressed that these girls are legally incapable of giving consent, highlighting the urgent need for their protection from cruel treatment.
In a Position Paper submitted to Parliament during the review of the Child Rights Act, the HRCSL detailed the severe risks associated with FGM, including significant bodily harm and potential death. They viewed the introduction of the law as a pivotal opportunity for Parliament to rectify a long-standing injustice against vulnerable children. However, the Commission expressed dismay that representatives chose not to act decisively on this critical issue.
In light of Parliament’s recent statements, the HRCSL has urged President Julius Maada Bio to withhold his Assent to the Child Rights Act. The Commission is advocating for the law to be returned to Parliament with an explicit provision that exempts children under the age of 18 from FGM practices.
Such an amendment, the HRCSL argues, would bolster the protection of children and create a safer environment for their development and well-being. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights of all individuals and continues to push for legislative changes that prioritize the safety and rights of children.
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