Freetown, 16th February, 2026 -The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has called on government to urgently amend the recently enacted Child Rights Act 2025 to explicitly criminalize Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) against underage girls.
Delivering a statement at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Pre-session in Geneva, HRCSL Vice Chairperson Victor Idrissa Lansana Esq. warned that the omission of a clear prohibition on FGM undermines the rights of children.
“The cultural practice of FGM against girls undermines their rights to health, education, dignity and life,” Lansana said. “We therefore urge the government to immediately amend the Child Rights Act 2025, particularly Section 19, to clearly prohibit the practice of FGM against underage girls.”
While acknowledging progress in laws protecting women and children, including the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act (GEWE) 2022, Lansana expressed concern over the slow pace of implementation, especially for rural women who remain excluded from access to finance and empowerment opportunities.
He also highlighted logistical challenges facing the Commission, noting that since its establishment in 2004, HRCSL has received only one government vehicle, in 2022 which continues to hinder its nationwide operations.
Despite these challenges, Lansana reaffirmed HRCSL’s role as an independent institution mandated to hold government accountable on human rights obligations. He stressed that adequate support and timely funding are critical for the Commission to effectively respond to human rights concerns.
The call to criminalize FGM is expected to spark renewed debate among lawmakers, civil society, and advocacy groups, as Sierra Leone continues to face international pressure to strengthen protections for women and children.
