The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a landmark resolution establishing 27 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage on Friday, 4 September 2026 in New York, United States, marking a major milestone in the global campaign to protect millions of girls from a practice that threatens their childhood, education, health, dignity and future.
The resolution, A/80/L.99, was championed by Sierra Leone’s First Lady and President of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, whose advocacy against child marriage and other forms of violence affecting women and girls has gained international attention.
Its adoption creates an annual global platform through which Governments, Civil Society Organisations, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, survivors and communities can strengthen advocacy and accelerate practical measures to eliminate child, early and forced marriage.
Reacting to the historic development, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio declared: “Today, the world chose our girls.”
For the Sierra Leonean First Lady, the campaign carries deep personal significance. Recounting her own childhood experience, she said her future was almost taken away when adults decided she should be married while she was still a child.
“I did not choose that path ; it was chosen for me,” she said, explaining that resisting the decision came at an enormous personal cost, including leaving her home, family and country to pursue a future of her own choosing.
She stressed that millions of girls facing similar circumstances do not have the opportunity to escape, making the UN decision more than a diplomatic accomplishment.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio described child marriage as a violation that deprives girls of their childhood, education, dignity and right to determine their own futures.
“I have always believed that child marriage is not culture; it is a crime. It is not tradition; it is theft: of childhood, of education, of dignity, of the right to decide one’s own life,” she stated.
While celebrating the achievement, the First Lady cautioned that adopting the resolution should be regarded as the beginning of intensified global action rather than the conclusion of the campaign.
“A resolution is a beginning, not an ending,” she said, stressing that an international observance alone cannot keep girls in school or prevent forced marriages. Instead, she argued, 27 November should serve as a permanent platform for countries to renew commitments, measure progress, share successful interventions and mobilize resources.
The achievement followed sustained collaboration involving African First Ladies, Governments, grassroots organisations, survivors and international child-rights advocates. Dr. Fatima Maada Bio particularly acknowledged Bhuwan Ribhu, founder of Just Rights for Children, as well as OAFLAD and other partners who supported the campaign.
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio congratulated the First Lady, describing the adoption as another important milestone arising from her longstanding commitment to protecting women and girls.
“Protecting girls has always been a heartfelt commitment for Fatima,” President Bio said, adding that Sierra Leone is proud of her achievements in advancing women’s rights internationally.
The historic development also attracted praise from former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who highlighted the devastating consequences of child marriage and commended Dr. Fatima Maada Bio for championing the resolution.
Hillary Clinton noted that an estimated 12 million girls are married before turning 18 every year, depriving many of opportunities to grow up safely, remain in school and fully contribute their talents and ideas to society.
She described child marriage as one of the most urgent and preventable violations of girls’ rights and said the UN resolution represents an important step towards ensuring that girls and young women can determine their own futures.
Philanthropist and women’s empowerment advocate, Sheryl Sandberg, also celebrated the development, crediting Dr. Fatima Maada Bio’s leadership and calling for countries to translate the international commitment into stronger laws, investment in girls’ education and health, and effective protection mechanisms.
“This is what happens when women lead,” Sheryl Sandberg said, congratulating Dr. Fatima Maada Bio and campaigners working towards ending child marriage.
The resolution was advanced with support from Sierra Leone alongside Cabo Verde, Costa Rica and Morocco, placing the issue firmly before the international community and reinforcing demands for coordinated global action.
For Sierra Leone, the development represents a significant moment on the international stage, positioning the country at the forefront of a global campaign addressing one of the most persistent challenges affecting girls.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio urged oGvernments and communities to ensure that the resolution produces measurable results, insisting that every girl must have the freedom to grow, learn and make decisions about her future.
“So from this day forward, every 27 November, I ask the world to remember why we did this,” she said. “Remember the girl who is told her body and her future belong to someone else’s decision.”
Her concluding message was equally emphatic: “Let girls grow. Let girls learn. Let girls choose.”
With 27 November now designated as an annual International Day, attention will shift towards transforming the global commitment into concrete action capable of protecting girls at community and national levels.
For Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, the historic UN decision carries both an international and deeply personal message: “Today, the world chose our girls. Tomorrow, we begin the work of proving we meant it.”
From the Pulpit to Public Controversy: Why Apostle Lelleh’s Right to Preach Must Be Respected
Apostle Amos Lawrence Lelleh
The controversy surrounding Apostle Amos Lawrence Lelleh has moved beyond a disagreement over a sermon. It has become a test of Sierra Leoneans’ commitment to religious tolerance, freedom of expression and peaceful disagreement.
Apostle Amos Lawrence Lelleh preached from the pulpit of his own church and presented a message based on what he believes to be the teachings of the Bible. People may disagree strongly with his interpretation. They may question his choice of words, challenge his theology or argue that he should have approached the subject differently. Those are legitimate responses in a society where people are free to hold different views.
What cannot be accepted is an attempt to answer preaching with violence.
Accounts circulating on social media allege that stones were thrown at the church, equipment and musical instruments were damaged and the pastor was physically confronted.
Before condemning Apostle Amos Lawrence Lelleh, people should ask whether they listened to his entire sermon and understood the context in which his statements were made. Those who were not present should be particularly careful about presenting assumptions or second-hand claims as established facts.
This does not mean Apostle Amos Lawrence Lelleh is above criticism. No pastor, politician, journalist or public figure should be. Freedom of expression includes the freedom of others to challenge what has been said.
But there is an important line between criticism and intimidation.
Religious freedom becomes meaningless if a preacher is free to speak only when everyone agrees with him. Tolerance is most important when we encounter ideas that offend, challenge or contradict our own beliefs.
Sierra Leone is a country widely known for religious coexistence and tolerance. That reputation should be protected. Christians, Muslims and people of other beliefs must continue to resolve disagreements through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Apostle Amos Lawrence Lelleh has the right to preach his understanding of Scripture. Those who disagree have an equal right to challenge him peacefully. Neither right requires violence.
The principle should therefore be straightforward: challenge the sermon if you must, debate the Scripture if you disagree but do not attack the pastor or destroy the church.
The truth may sometimes hurt, and opinions may offend, but violence must never become the answer.
The wider question of free speech and press freedom in Sierra Leone also remains central to how disagreements are handled, while trust, accountability and public confidence in institutions are important to peaceful civic engagement.