SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Sierra Leone bans child marriage

Sierra Leone's parliament has approved a new law that prohibits child marriage.

» Updated: 04 October 2024, 12:30

» Published: 21 June 2024

Sierra Leone bans child marriage
Photo: Leo Correa/AP/TT

Sierra Leone's parliament has approved a new law banning child marriage.

Now, one risks imprisonment for up to 15 years or a fine equivalent to 21,000 kronor if one marries a person under the age of 18.

This is a historic moment and an extraordinary success for children across Sierra Leone who have fought for their rights, says Patrick Analo, Save the Children's country director in Sierra Leone.

Girls who marry young are not only robbed of their childhood, they are robbed of their future, he continues.

In the West African country, a third of all girls marry before their 18th birthday. There are over 800,000 child brides in the country, of whom 400,000 were married before the age of 15, according to Unicef.

Child marriages have, however, slowly decreased in Sierra Leone.

The bill is yet to be signed by President Julius Maada Bio.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Schengen Opens Up to Bulgaria and Romania
1 MIN READ

Schengen Opens Up to Bulgaria and Romania

Suspected Spy Studied at Already Affected School
2 MIN READ

Suspected Spy Studied at Already Affected School

Almost 230 Healthcare Workers Killed in Lebanon
1 MIN READ

Almost 230 Healthcare Workers Killed in Lebanon

Paludan convicted for racist statements
1 MIN READ

Paludan convicted for racist statements

Airport in London Evacuated – Bomb Team on Site
1 MIN READ

Airport in London Evacuated – Bomb Team on Site

Israel stops disputed detention of settlers
1 MIN READ

Israel stops disputed detention of settlers

Ukraine and Nato meet after Russian missile attack
2 MIN READ

Ukraine and Nato meet after Russian missile attack

New death after methanol alarm in tourist town
1 MIN READ

New death after methanol alarm in tourist town

Iran's IAEA Response: New, Stronger Centrifuges
2 MIN READ

Iran's IAEA Response: New, Stronger Centrifuges

South Korea: What North Korea gets from Russia
1 MIN READ

South Korea: What North Korea gets from Russia

At Least Two Dead in Russian Attack on Sumy
1 MIN READ

At Least Two Dead in Russian Attack on Sumy

Expert: Putin's robot attack a political marking
2 MIN READ

Expert: Putin's robot attack a political marking

Scattering Ashes at Machu Picchu – Security Tightened
1 MIN READ

Scattering Ashes at Machu Picchu – Security Tightened

Zelensky: Putin is testing you
1 MIN READ

Zelensky: Putin is testing you

Orbán defies ICC – invites Netanyahu
2 MIN READ

Orbán defies ICC – invites Netanyahu

Trump chooses new minister after Gaetz's resignation
2 MIN READ

Trump chooses new minister after Gaetz's resignation

Norway: Suspected spy worked at the US Embassy
1 MIN READ

Norway: Suspected spy worked at the US Embassy

Pistorius does not want to take over power from Scholz
1 MIN READ

Pistorius does not want to take over power from Scholz

40 People Killed in Attack in Pakistan
1 MIN READ

40 People Killed in Attack in Pakistan

Police Investigation: Prosecute Bolsonaro for Coup Attempt
1 MIN READ

Police Investigation: Prosecute Bolsonaro for Coup Attempt