for the protection and promotion of the participation of children in all matters and decisions that impact on them at these levels. 138. The Child Rights Act (2007) expressly protects the rights of children to freedom of expression, which embraces the right to be heard and participate in decisions that impact on the child. Section 31 provides that no person may deprive a child capable of forming views the right to express and opinion, to be listened to and to participate in decisions which affect his or her welfare. The opinion of the child must be taken into account and given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child. 139. Additional provisions in the Child Rights Act, as supported by the amended Children and Young Persons Act (Cap 44, 1960) and Child Justice Strategies of 2005 and 2013, recognize and improve the rights of children to participation and representation in judicial and quasi-judicial (including community dispute resolution structures) hearing matters related to children in conflict with the law and which involve children as victims or witnesses. These measure, which have sought to ensure children’s participation, through obliging their participation as well as through innovations aimed at expediting and making procedures less intimidating, are described in detail in part 9 of the report under the heading Special Protection Measures for Children in Contact with the Law. 140. There is a tension between a number of customary and religious laws and practices in Sierra Leone and the promotion and realization of children’s rights to be heard and participate in decisions that impact on them. For example, in the case of customary law of marriage, young girls could be married against their will; their consent not being required for a valid marriage. This practice is now outlawed by the Child Rights Act as well as the Registration of Customary Marriages and Divorce Act (2007). In terms of both laws, consent of all parties is a requirement for the conclusion of a valid marriage. 141. In addition, civil society organizations and other partners within the CPN engage in advocacy at a family and community level to promote the value of and obligations on parents and communities to ensure their children’s participation in matters that affect them. 5.3 Freedom of thought, conscience and religion (article 9) 142. The Constitution of Sierra Leone guarantees the right of every person, including children to enjoyment of freedom of thought, conscience and religion. Moreover, it expressly imposes a duty on all citizens to respect the religions of other individuals. 143. The right is expressly protected in the education context. The Constitution provides that, except with his or her consent, no persons attending an place of education shall be required to receive religious instruction or take part in any religious ceremony or observance if that religion is any other than his or her own. In addition, the Education Act (2004) guarantees the principle of non-discrimination and protects the rights of parents to establish and maintain and enrol their children in separate educational systems established for linguistic or religious purposes. 5. Civil Rights and Freedoms  43