What you should know
Children require special protection and their welfare and best interests should be central when decisions affect them. Sierra Leonean law contains protections concerning abuse, exploitation, neglect, education, health, birth registration, harmful labour and child marriage.
Concerns about a child's safety should be taken seriously. Where a child may be in immediate danger, contact an appropriate protection or law-enforcement service and avoid actions that could expose the child to further harm.
Preserve relevant information and seek legal or safeguarding assistance. A4A can help assess child-protection and related family-law matters.
Legal rights and available remedies depend on the facts of each situation. Contact A4A if you need advice about how the law applies to you.
When to seek help
If you are unsure how the law applies to your circumstances, if your rights may have been infringed, or if you have been arrested, detained, threatened or placed at immediate risk, seek legal assistance.
Legal reference points
- Child Rights Act, 2007 as amended
- Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024
- Applicable education, health, labour and criminal law
For Sierra Leone legislation, judgments and other primary legal materials, use an authoritative source such as SierraLII. The legislation that applies to an individual matter may change or depend on the facts.
Visit SierraLII