By George M.O. Williams
The Ministry of Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police (Family Support Unit), convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at the Police Wives Association Hall in Kingtom in Freetown. The meeting focused on plans for the rollout of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Social Welfare (MoSW) and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the police said in a statement on Tuesday.
During the ceremony, Inspector General of Police Mr. William Fayia Sellu expressed his honour in participating and contributing to discussions regarding the implementation of the Act and the signing of the MoU on behalf of the SLP. He emphasized that the MoU underscores his dedication to fulfilling the vision of Sierra Leone’s First Lady and the nation to eliminate child marriage.
Mr. Sellu called for widespread support in the implementation and enforcement of the new law, recognizing that both the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Sierra Leone Police cannot address the issue alone. He urged other ministries, departments, agencies, and both international and local organizations to join the battle against child marriage, stressing the importance of taking the law to rural communities and their traditional leaders.
Highlighting the persistent challenges facing the enforcement of the Act, the IGP lamented the practice of parents settling child marriage cases for minimal compensation. He urged the Ministry and police officers to be vigilant regarding this issue and called on the National Council for Civic Education and Development (NACED) to be involved in the rollout process.
Addressing the delays often encountered in adjudicating relevant cases, Mr. Sellu advocated for establishing a fast-track court dedicated to handling child marriage matters. He elaborated on the interconnected roles within Sierra Leone’s criminal justice system, encouraging all stakeholders to perform their duties competently.
In line with the SLP’s commitment to combating child marriage and related issues, Mr. Sellu announced plans for a one-stop center for such cases, to be located on the top floor of the police station under construction at Aberdeen, which is expected to be inaugurated in November 2024.
Regarding the protection of whistleblowers, the IGP informed attendees about the SLP’s witness protection scheme, aimed at facilitating the prosecution of offenders. He shared that the Family Support Unit had already begun the law’s rollout by implementing training programs for personnel to ensure effective enforcement.
The IGP reaffirmed the Sierra Leone Police’s dedication to upholding and enforcing the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 and other laws aimed at protecting citizens.
The signed MoU between the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Sierra Leone Police details various aspects, including the purpose of the agreement, objectives, areas of collaboration, and the responsibilities of both parties. It outlines that the SLP will ensure officers in the Family Support Units handle cases of child abuse, child justice, domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence, and other family welfare issues.
Both parties commit to reviewing each case involving a child in conflict with the law to determine whether to apply the diversion policy or proceed with police investigation.