Sierra Leone Passes Landmark Law Against Child Marriage
President of Sierra Leone has recently endorsed a bill that outlaws marriage of children below the age of 18 years in a significant advance in defence of the rights of young girls. This therefore makes this legislation a significant milestone in the effort to end child marriage in a country whose cultures have perpetuated this vice .
About the Law and the Situation in Sierra Leone
Using data obtained from UNICEF in a report in 2020 it was estimated that about 800, 000 girls in Sierra Leone were already married under the age of eighteen, which is a third of the girl child population. This new law is designed to change this situation since marriage for persons under the age of 18 is prohibited.
Sierra Leone Child Marriage Law
However, child marriage is not unique to Sierra Leone, but present in many countries round the globe. Every year at least 12 million girls, from different parts of the world, are forced to get married before they are even eighteen years old. The practice is most common in conflict and humanitarian crises affected countries across the globe. More so, Sierra Leone is of 12 countries that record high child marriages despite efforts to curb the vice and other countries such as Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and India.
According to the Indian law under the Act of Prohibition of Child Marriage act 2006 the legal age for marriage is 18 for girl and 21 for boy. However, millions of people are said to suffer from this including an estimated 1. The study also estimated that there were 5 million girls under the age of 18 that are married each year. The incidences are worst in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and according to the statistics, UP leads with the highest incidences of child marriage.
The Impact of Child Marriage
The effects of child marriage are disastrous to the young girls who end up being married. It is against all their rights, has capped their learning and future income. Besides, most girls forced into marriage give birth while still adolescents, which exposes them to more risks of complications during childbirth most of which might be fatal. Such risks affect not only the lives of these young girls, but also create generational poverty and perpetuate existing ism of gender.
Sierra Leone Immigration Laws
Sierra Leone’s immigration law is provided by The Non-Citizens (Registration, Immigration, and Expulsion) Act of 1965. The internal migration, emigration and immigration policy guidelines are contained in the National Migration Policy, which also lays down principles to ensure that borders of the country are well administered to reflect equity.
Sierra Leone Extradition Laws
The Act was established in the year 1974 and it is in accordance to this Act that people can be extradited to or from Sierra Leone as per the agreements done by the country. These laws play an important role to do justice not only to its own population but to those of other countries as well.
Gun Laws in Sierra Leone
The Arms and Ammunition Act of 2012 controls the possession, procurement and production of small arms and light weapons in Sierra Leone of concern. These laws work towards regulating the usage and access of firearms in an effort to reduce on the death rates caused by these weapons.
Sierra Leone Law Court Building
The high court is the central building of Sierra Leone’s judiciary which is situated in Freetown. This is a rather large structure where different levels of courts are situated with the Supreme Court being the final instance in the country.
How to Become a Lawyer in Sierra Leone
To become a lawyer in Sierra Leone, one must complete a law degree, pass the bar exam, and fulfill any additional requirements set by the Sierra Leone Bar Association. This rigorous process ensures that only qualified individuals practice law in the country.
Sierra Leone National Drug Law Enforcement Agency
This agency is tasked with the implementation of drug laws and regulations in Sierra Leone and is very crucial in the fight against drug related crimes and in the protection of the citizens’ health.
Sierra Leone Abortion Law
Sierra Leone also has a generally poor attitude to abortion with very few reasons recognized to warrant abortion, with the main reason being when the mother’s life is in danger. The position of legislation on abortions as informs the general laws of the country, and uphold the customary practices that pervaded the society in a bid to address the new age medical ethics while respecting the old world morality.
Sierra Leone Law Court
The judiciary structure in Sierra Leone just like in most countries comprises the different tiers of courts with the Supreme Court at the apex. These courts are very important in the society since they contribute to the delivery of justice and the maintenance of the rule of law.
Sierra Leone Marriage Laws
Sierra Leone – Sierras leonean marriage is regulated according to statutory and customary laws. The latest addition to such laws is the Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill 2024 that not only outlaw child marriage but also safeguard the rights of the children.
Sierra Leone Mineral Law
Mineral laws in Sierra Leone; this laws are on the exploration, exploitation and administration of the large deposits of minerals in the country. These laws make sure that mining undertakings are done properly and without a negative effect to the environment.
Sierra Leone Landlord and Tenant Law
Tenancy laws governing the landlord and tenant’s principles in Sierra Leone are framed to interpret the general conduct of the relationship. These entail the laws that surrounds lease dealing, the laws governing the resolution of disputes, and other factors that relate to lease rentals.
Sierra Leone Inheritance Law
Succession law in Sierra Leone teaches on how a deceased’s property should be divided. These laws are often shaped by statutory forms as non-codified laws alongside the more formalised laws which may be seen by mirroring customary practices in the Kenya.
Sierra Leone Law School
There are several institutions in Sierra Leone that has the ability to offer this course among them being the university of Sierra Leone. The mentioned schools offer extensive courses that offered to students planning to pursue a legal career in the country.
Sierra Leone Legal Aid Board Freetown
The Legal Aid Board is situated in Freetown, and it is responsible for offering legal services to people who cannot afford legal services on their own hence helping every citizen gain access to justice.
Sierra Leone Mining Law
Mining law in Sierra Leone regulates all aspects of mining activities, including exploration, extraction, and environmental compliance. These laws are crucial for ensuring that the country’s natural resources are managed responsibly.
Are There Lions in Sierra Leone?
Despite its name, there are no native lions in Sierra Leone. The country’s name, which means “Lion Mountains,” was given by Portuguese explorers who were inspired by the landscape.
Sierra Leone Housing Law
Housing law in Sierra Leone covers issues related to tenant rights, property regulations, and housing disputes, ensuring that the housing market operates fairly and transparently.
Sierra Leone Entry Requirements
Visitors to Sierra Leone typically need a valid passport and visa. Entry requirements can vary based on nationality, so it’s essential to check the specific requirements before traveling.
Sierra Leone Law School Modules
Law schools in Sierra Leone offer various modules, including constitutional law, criminal law, and international law, providing students with a well-rounded legal education.
Rule of Law in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is committed to upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice and equality for all citizens. The judiciary plays a vital role in maintaining this commitment, providing a framework for a fair and just society.
Sierra Leone Extradition Laws UK
Sierra Leone’s extradition laws include specific provisions for extradition to and from the UK, governed by the Extradition Act of 1974. These laws facilitate international cooperation in criminal matters.
Law in Sierra Leone
The legal system in Sierra Leone is a blend of statutory and customary laws, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and modern legal practices. The judiciary and legal professionals work together to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice for all citizens.
Sierra Leone Adoption Laws
Adoption in Sierra Leone is governed by both statutory and customary laws, with a focus on ensuring the welfare of the child. These laws provide a legal framework for adoption, ensuring that the process is conducted ethically and responsibly.
This comprehensive overview of Sierra Leone’s legal landscape highlights the country’s commitment to justice, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights. Whether you’re interested in legal education, immigration laws, or the recent ban on child marriage, Sierra Leone offers a rich and complex legal environment worth exploring.