The Network of Women Ministers and MPs (NEWMAP) together with some Members of Parliament yesterday discussed the draft Family law at Committee Room No1, Parliament Building.
The draft Family Law is going to replace the Matrimonial Causes Act.
Speaking at the discussion, Mariama Diarra from UNFPA said that certain issues needed to be discussed before the bill was taken before Parliament. She mentained that issues of family were one area where UNFPA had a stake as October will be the 15th anniversary of the programme of action for women’s affairs.
Also present at the discussion ceremony was the co-chair of the National Commission on Gender based violence. AIG Munu for Crime Services said with support from UNFPA, they carried out studies in Moyamba for the South, Kailahun for the East and Magburuka for the North on gender related issues for which comprehensive reports will be made soon.
Charles Vandi from the Ministry of Social Welfare Gender and Children’s Affairs stated that in 2003, a consultative conference was held at Mamba Point where lots of issues were unearthed bordering on women’s affairs. He said it was after that meeting that the three gender bills were drafted and later passed in to law.
Speaking on the draft Family Law, Matilda Koroma legal officer of the Law Reform Commission said the draft law applies to divorce and nullity and that the Institutions of marriage must be supported as well as parties to marriage must be encouraged.
She also stated that when the marriage was irretrievably broken, the court should divorce it with minimum redress and deal with issues which arise harmoniously. She thus mentioned that under the present law, divorce is fault based as it dealt with adultery, cruelty and dissertation.
Idrissa Kargbo also a legal officer said the draft family law makes sexual offences separate and distinct from other offences and also made the offence of rape no more as a statutory offence under the common law. He also stated that sexual offences should no longer be tried as Preliminary Investigation and the Gender Ministry should keep a register of sexual offenders.
Contributions from the MPs were also made.appropriate strategy for the E-Health professional, engage in the National dissemination and sanitization as well as engage in the resource mobilization for the project and implement appropriate monitoring and evaluation.
By Ishmael Bayoh
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