By: Mamajah Jalloh
The Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, has welcomed the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, to the Children’s Remand Home in Freetown as part of her week-long mission to strengthen child protection in Sierra Leone.
The visit underscores the Ministry’s commitment, in collaboration with national and international partners, to strengthening child protection systems, improving rehabilitation services and ensuring that children in conflict with the law are treated with compassion, dignity and respect.
Speaking during the visit, Minister Karminty reaffirmed her commitment to protecting vulnerable children and supporting their rehabilitation.
“As Minister of Social Welfare, I remain committed to working alongside national and international partners to protect our most vulnerable children and help every child rebuild their life and look forward to a brighter future,” she said.
During her engagement at the Remand Home, Dr. Maalla M’jid held discussions with staff, listened to their experiences and learned about ongoing interventions aimed at improving child protection and rehabilitation services.
The Children’s Remand Home provides temporary accommodation for children in conflict with the law, including those awaiting the determination of their cases. The visit therefore highlights the importance of safeguarding the rights and dignity of children in detention and ensuring that deprivation of liberty remains a measure of last resort.
It also reinforces the need to provide children with appropriate care, protection and rehabilitation opportunities to help them reintegrate into society and build a better future.