The United Nations Convention on the Rights of
the Child addresses the rights of the child as
a human being. It recognizes the right of the
child to freedom of expression, thought, conscience,
religion and freedom of association, and distinguishes
the important function performed by the mass media
while ensuring that the child has access to them.
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The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare
of the Child embraces all the principles of
the United Nation's Convention on the Rights
of the Child and the two optional protocols
listed below.
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of the Child>
The Optional Protocol to
the United Nations Convention on the Rights
of the Child on the involvement of children
in armed conflicts recognizes that "armed
groups that are distinct from the armed forces
of a State should not, under any circumstances,
recruit or use in hostilities persons under
the age of 18 years (Article 4).
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The Optional Protocol to
the United Nations Convention on the Rights
of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child
Prostitution and Child Pornography states that
"States Parties shall prohibit the sale
of children, child prostitution and child pornography
as provided for by the present protocol"
(Article 1).
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Although Sierra Leone
is not a member of United Nations Committee
on the Rights of the Child (1991-2003), it
signed the UN Convention on February
13, 1990 and ratified on the 18th of June, 1990.
The government of Sierra Leone is therefore obligated
to adhere to the provisions made on the UN Convention
on the Rights of the Child and its two additional
Protocols.
