The Forum Against Harmful Practices (FAHP) has recently submitted a position paper advocating for the review of the Child Rights Act in Sierra Leone Parliament. This initiative is crucial, given the persistent challenges facing children’s rights in the country. Various civil society organizations, including FAHP, play a significant role in promoting and protecting children’s rights amid ongoing issues such as violence against children and harmful traditional practices like female genital mutilation. The call for a review of the Child Rights Act reflects an urgent need to address these systemic issues more effectively.
In light of these challenges, it is essential to adopt a bottom-up approach to strengthen child protection. By advocating for community-driven initiatives, FAHP’s position paper aligns with international treaties signed by the Sierra Leonean Government (MAPUTO PROTOCOL and CEDAW etc.). Such strategies are vital not only for enhancing compliance with existing laws but also for ensuring that children’s voices are heard in policy formulation.
Moreover, addressing harmful practices through legislative reform is critical in combating prevalent issues such as FGM and Child Marriage. The proposed review of the Child Rights Act aims to create more robust frameworks that can adapt to the evolving challenges faced by children today. It underscores the necessity for comprehensive legislation that protects children from exploitation while promoting their well-being and development.