By: Saidu Jalloh
Save the Children and the Joining Forces Alliance convened a high-level stakeholder consultation at the Vanilla Complex in Aberdeen, Freetown, to deliberate on the Child Rights Act (CRA) 2025 and strategize its timely passage into law.
The meeting brought together key figures from civil society, religious institutions, government bodies, and advocacy groups to evaluate the legislative journey of the CRA Bill, explore its challenges, and identify actionable opportunities for advancing child rights in Sierra Leone.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Boi-Jeneh Jalloh, Chairperson of the Child Rights Coalition, emphasized that responsible parenting remains central to the effective implementation of the Act. She called for the inclusion of enforceable child protection mechanisms and reiterated the coalition’s ongoing commitment to influencing reforms around family welfare policies.
Delivering the day’s agenda, Mr. Brima Conteh of AMNET International outlined the focus areas of the consultation: legislative progress, stakeholder recommendations, and a critical review of key provisions in the CRA Bill.
Hon. Abdul Marray Conteh, a member of Parliament’s Legislative Committee, highlighted the committee’s focus on addressing issues such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child trafficking, and violence against children.
“There are provisions in the law that specifically address child violence,” he noted, affirming Parliament’s commitment to prosecute offenders and enforce protective measures.
Representing the Inter-Religious Council, Brima Conteh referenced the Maputo Protocol, stressing that cultural traditions must not override a child’s bodily autonomy.
“The body is the temple of the Lord we must protect its sanctity,” he declared, quoting scripture.
Sheikh Abubakarr Conteh reinforced the religious consensus in support of the CRA Bill, stating that both Islamic and Christian teachings are aligned with the principles enshrined in the legislation.
Madam Gloria Bayoh of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone spoke on the importance of balancing cultural sensitivity with legal protection for children. She cited international instruments, including the Universal Periodic Review and the Maputo Protocol, to strengthen the Commission’s stance against harmful practices such as FGM.
Louise Watkins Harrison, representing the National Commission for Children (NCC), praised the collective advocacy efforts and called for clear provisions within the Bill to eliminate harmful traditional practices.
Rev. Gibrilla Kargbo of the National Commission for Democracy presented a report highlighting the need to eradicate child marriage and ensure children’s consent before undergoing traditional rites and initiations.
On behalf of young people, Philipa Cride-Dole, President of the Children’s Forum Network (CFN), reaffirmed the network’s active engagement and advocacy for child rights. She pledged CFN’s continued support in shaping policies that prioritize children’s voices and protection.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Charles Vandi, Deputy Chief Director at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, described the CRA Bill as a domestication of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. He shared lessons from community consultations, particularly with traditional leaders, on the need to integrate child consent in cultural practices such as secret society initiations.
The consultation concluded with a robust interactive Q\&A session, during which participants voiced strong support for the Bill’s effective implementation. There was consensus on the urgent need for legal reforms that prioritize child protection especially concerning FGM, child abuse, forced marriage, and other rights violations.