Reaction to Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024
Following the signing of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 by President Julius Maada Bio, Amnesty International Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Samira Daoud, commended this significant move. The law aims to safeguard girls by criminalizing marriage under the age of 18, protecting their rights, education, health, and overall well-being.
Call to Action for Other Countries
Daoud urges other nations in West and Central Africa to follow suit and ban child marriage. It’s crucial to take necessary actions to ensure full enforcement of the law and conduct awareness campaigns, especially in rural areas.
Background
UNICEF reports that West and Central Africa had the highest prevalence of child marriage globally in 2023. In Sierra Leone, 30% of women between 20 to 24 years were first married between the ages of 15 and 18.
- Amnesty International has been actively involved in Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, and Senegal since 2017, to combat child marriage, early and forced marriage, and female genital mutilation through education and advocacy efforts.
- In Sierra Leone, Amnesty International works with community-based organizations in various districts to promote dialogue, establish human rights clubs in schools, and raise awareness about child marriage.
Summary
The passing of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 in Sierra Leone marks a significant milestone in the fight against gender-based violence. It underscores the importance of protecting the rights and well-being of young girls, emphasizing the need for similar measures in other countries in the region.
Source: www.amnesty.org