Sierra Leone has officially banned child marriage, with President Julius Maada Bio signing a bill into law to end the widespread practice.
The new legislation includes provisions for penalizing offenders, protecting the rights of victims, and ensuring access to education and support services for young girls affected by child marriage. Under the law, any man who marries a girl under the age of 18 could face a minimum of 15 years in prison and a fine exceeding $4,000. In addition, those married as children can seek financial compensation and have the option to petition for an annulment.
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