President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone announced three new commitments to strengthen the nation's efforts to protect girls. The announcement occurred at a high-level event in New York on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. This event was held on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, a significant global forum for addressing critical international issues. Sierra Leone's initiative aims to achieve Sustainable Development Goal Target 5.3, which focuses on eliminating all harmful practices, such as child, early, and forced marriage and female genital mutilation. This strategic alignment shows the country's dedication to global development objectives.
New Pledges for Protection
Sierra Leone plans to develop a full National Action Plan aimed at eliminating child, early, and forced marriage. The government announced this commitment as part of its strategy to protect girls and ensure their rights are upheld. This plan will outline specific strategies, timelines, and responsibilities for various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities, to collectively work towards the eradication of these harmful practices. Sierra Leone will also strengthen the implementation of its existing Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, according to official statements. This move is expected to bolster the legal framework against underage unions and ensure stricter enforcement across the nation, providing strong legal protection for young girls. The reinforced implementation will involve greater public awareness campaigns, enhanced training for law enforcement, and improved mechanisms for reporting and prosecuting violations.
Further, Sierra Leone intends to begin reporting on its progress from the first observance of the International Day to End Child Marriage on November 27, 2026. This reporting mechanism will provide regular updates on the nation's efforts and achievements in tackling the issue, fostering accountability and transparency. This commitment to regular reporting reflects Sierra Leone's proactive stance in demonstrating its progress to both its citizens and the international community. The new commitments show Sierra Leone's dedication to addressing child marriage effectively and transparently, aligning with global efforts to safeguard children's rights and well-being. These measures form part of a broader national initiative to achieve Sustainable Development Goal Target 5.3, emphasizing the interconnectedness of national policies with international development agendas.
Global Effort and National Laws
Sierra Leone served as the principal sponsor of a resolution that established November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage. The United Nations adopted the Sierra Leone-led resolution by consensus on September 4, 2026, marking a key moment in the global fight against child marriage. This initiative received support from 84 co-sponsoring countries, noting a broad international commitment to addressing child marriage and recognizing its detrimental impact on girls' lives and societal development. The unanimous adoption of the resolution signals a strong global consensus on the urgent need to end these practices.
The global prevalence of child marriage remains significant, with statistics indicating that more than 640 million girls and women alive today were married during childhood. This staggering figure shows the scale of the challenge and the importance of concerted international and national efforts. In response to this challenge, Sierra Leone has also strengthened its domestic legal framework. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act was signed into law in July 2024, marking a key legislative step in the country's commitment to protecting its youth. This act explicitly sets 18 as the minimum age for marriage without exception, aiming to protect young girls from early unions and ensuring their right to childhood, education, and health. The law provides a critical legal foundation for prosecuting those who facilitate or engage in child marriages.
Broader Policy Framework
Sierra Leone's new commitments build upon an existing framework of policies designed to support women and girls, demonstrating a holistic approach to gender equality and child protection. The nation currently implements a Free Quality School Education programme, which aims to ensure access to education for all children, recognizing education as a powerful tool for empowerment and preventing child marriage. This educational initiative is complemented by a Radical Inclusion Policy, intended to further integrate marginalized groups into society and provide equitable opportunities, thereby addressing systemic barriers that can lead to child marriage. Additionally, the government enacted the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act 2022, a full legislative measure designed to advance the rights and status of women across various sectors, including economic participation, political representation, and protection from violence. These policies collectively contribute to the broader national strategy for improving social outcomes and addressing gender-related disparities, aligning with the country's pledge to end child marriage and foster a more equitable society for all its citizens.