Child marriages banned

Sierra Leone has introduced a new law banning child marriage. Human Rights Watch (HRW) notes that the new Child Marriage Act prohibits all forms of child marriage and cohabitation with a child, including aiding and abetting, protects the best interests of children, and ensures affected girls have access to counselling and safeguarding. The law amends existing legislation, including the Child Rights and Registration of Customary Marriage Acts, to harmonise the legal framework on marriage and break the cycle of early marriage and its devastating consequences. BBC News reports that anybody now involved in the marriage of a female under the age of 18 will be jailed for at least 15 years and/or fined around $4 000. The Ministry of Health estimates that a third of the nation’s females are married off before they turn 18, accounting for the high number of maternal deaths. Those who face punishment under the new rules include the groom, the parents or guardians of the child bride, and even those who attend the wedding.

Full BBC News report

HRW statement