Freetown: Save the Children has concluded a one-day training for legal practitioners, social workers, child protection advocates, and police officers to strengthen investigation and prosecution of offences under Sierra Leone’s Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024. Held at New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, the session focused on improving understanding of the law, strengthening case handling, and promoting coordination among institutions responsible for child protection.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, Davida F. Smith of the Justice Sector Coordination Office welcomed participants, while Hon. Justice Alusine Sesay led discussions on the Act’s purpose, key provisions, and enforcement. Justice Sesay said the law prohibits all forms of child marriage and holds offenders accountable. He noted that offences include contracting, facilitating, consenting to, attending, or officiating child marriage ceremonies.
Participants also reviewed child protection laws, victim support, case management, and inter-ag
ency collaboration. The training ended with renewed calls for stronger enforcement of the law and greater protection for girls across Sierra Leone.