Sierra Leone has officially backed Cuba’s candidate for the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), reinforcing its commitment to gender equality and international cooperation.
During a diplomatic meeting in Geneva, Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Lansana Gberie, received Dr. Yamila González Ferrer, who is seeking election to the CEDAW committee for the 2027–2030 term.
Ambassador Gberie welcomed her candidacy and praised Cuba’s longstanding efforts in promoting women’s rights through multilateral engagement. The endorsement reflects Sierra Leone’s support for strengthening global systems that protect women from discrimination and advance gender equality.
The meeting comes as early consultations begin ahead of the 2026 CEDAW elections. The committee, made up of 23 independent experts, monitors how countries implement the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. It reviews national reports and provides recommendations to help close gaps in both law and practice.
For Sierra Leone, the decision aligns with its broader foreign policy focus on gender equity and active participation in international institutions. Ambassador Gberie noted that engagement with UN treaty bodies is essential for turning national reforms into measurable global commitments.
In recent years, Sierra Leone has introduced reforms aimed at improving the lives of women and girls, including stronger laws on sexual violence, expanded access to education, and increased support for women’s political participation. The country continues to use international platforms to share its progress and seek technical support.
Dr. González Ferrer, a jurist and Vice President of Cuba’s National Union of Jurists, has centered her campaign on tackling structural discrimination and improving access to justice. Her experience spans constitutional law and international human rights systems.
Sierra Leone’s endorsement adds momentum to Cuba’s campaign as countries and regional groups begin weighing candidates. Although CEDAW members serve in their personal capacity, state backing remains a key factor in determining election outcomes.
Ambassador Gberie emphasized that Sierra Leone values Cuba’s contributions in multilateral forums and sees this as an opportunity to deepen cooperation on women’s rights particularly in areas such as health, education, and legal reform.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to the Convention and to using the CEDAW platform as a tool for meaningful and measurable progress in advancing women’s rights worldwide.