A distressing incident of child abuse unfolded before the eyes of witnesses, leaving many in tears and questioning the rights every child should enjoy as stipulated in the Child Rights Act of 2007 and the African Charter on the Rights of the Child.

The victim, a 13-year-old girl, resides with her aunt in Port Loko Town. For weeks on end, she endured severe beatings from her aunt, which shattered her self-esteem and affected her psychological well-being.

On December 13th, 2022, the aunt claimed that the girl borrowed her laundry board without permission, and when she asked the girl to do laundry for her, the girl allegedly refused to listen, leading her aunt to resort to such punishment.

Section III of the Child Rights Act of 2007 clearly states that every child has the right to life, survival, and maximum development. It is the primary responsibility of parents to support their children in enjoying these rights, with assistance from the State in case of need.

Neighbours confirmed that the abuse wasn't limited to physical torture; the aunt also deprived the llitte girl of food and forced her to do all the household chores.

Government agencies like UNICEF and its partners are working to prevent and respond to such violence and exploitation of girls. However, issues like these persist in communities, requiring intensified campaigns and the involvement of stakeholders to take responsibility.

Similar cases of abuse are prevalent in rural and urban areas, and advocates against child abuse must keep the campaign ongoing to ensure accountability and protect vulnerable children.

Witnessing the brutality, one compassionate tenant, Elizabeth, pleaded with the aunt to pardon the girl and offered to retrieve the missing laundry board. Nevertheless, the abuse continued as a daily reminder.

The matter was reported to a Child Rights Coalition, a community-based organization, and a member, Alusine Kargbo, rushed the girl to the hospital for medical attention. The case was also reported to the Family Support Unit (FSU) for justice. The police invited the aunt for interrogation in connection to the abuse.

This heart-wrenching incident serves as a reminder of the urgency to safeguard children's rights and ensure that perpetrators face the consequences of their actions. Together, we must stand against child abuse and protect the future generation.

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