By KEMO CHAM More by this AuthorSierra Leone has set up a special court to tackle swelling cases of rape as the country battles an epidemic of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV). A special room dedicated to only cases of rape and sexual assault was inaugurated by President Julius Maada Bio on Friday in Freetown. Sexual violence has been a long time problem for Sierra Leone, stemming from its eleven years civil war, but recently it took center stage amidst reports of increase in incidents involving minors. AdvertisementIn early 2019, report of the rape of a five-year-old child provoked nationwide protests, leading to the declaration of a state of public health emergency on sexual violence. But it soon became apparent that the problem goes beyond toughening of the law, to include factors that ensure fair trial and fast track proceedings.

Source: Daily Nation July 25, 2020 10:57 UTC