Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu has pledged unwavering commitment to enforcing Sierra Leone’s newly enacted Prohibition of Child Marriage Act of 2024.
The IGP’s remarks came during a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Welfare. The meeting, held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, took place at the Police Wives Association Hall in Kingtom, Freetown.
A key highlight of the meeting was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Social Welfare and the SLP, designed to ensure the effective implementation of the new law. IGP Sellu emphasized that the MoU reflects his commitment to realizing the vision of Sierra Leone’s First Lady and the broader goal of eradicating child marriage.
In his address, IGP Sellu urged for a collective effort in enforcing the Act, acknowledging that the Ministry of Social Welfare and the SLP alone cannot tackle the issue. He called on other ministries, departments, agencies, and both international and local organizations to collaborate in the fight against child marriage, stressing the importance of extending awareness and enforcement efforts to rural areas and engaging with traditional leaders.
The IGP pointed out persistent challenges in enforcing the law, including the tendency of parents to settle child marriage cases with minimal compensation. He urged vigilance from both the Ministry and the police and called on the National Council for Civic Education and Development (NACED) to participate actively in the rollout process.
To address delays in adjudicating child marriage cases, IGP Sellu proposed the establishment of a fast-track court dedicated to handling such matters. He emphasized the interconnected roles within Sierra Leone’s criminal justice system and encouraged all stakeholders to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.
As part of the SLP’s commitment, IGP Sellu announced plans to establish a one-stop centre for child marriage cases on the top floor of the police station under construction in Aberdeen, slated for inauguration in November 2024.
Regarding the protection of whistle-blowers, the IGP highlighted the SLP’s witness protection scheme, designed to support the prosecution of offenders. He also noted that the Family Support Unit has already begun implementing the law through a series of training programs to ensure effective enforcement.
The MoU signed between the Ministry of Social Welfare and the SLP details the agreement’s purpose, objectives, and areas of collaboration. It specifies that the SLP will oversee officers in the Family Support Units who will handle cases related to child abuse, child justice, domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence, and other family welfare issues. Both parties have committed to reviewing each case involving a child in conflict with the law to determine the appropriate legal approach, whether through diversion policies or police investigations.
