Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening child protection systems and ending violence against children during the Global Meeting of the Pathfinding Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children, held at the United Nations System Staff College in Turin.
The Honourable Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, accompanied by Sierra Leone’s National Focal Point for Ending Violence Against Children, represented the country at the two-day meeting. The event brought together ministers, policymakers, United Nations agencies, development partners, and child protection experts from around the world to discuss strategies for safeguarding children’s rights and well-being.
Addressing delegates, the Minister emphasized that protecting children remains a national priority for Sierra Leone and called for stronger global cooperation to address violence, abuse, exploitation, and neglect affecting children worldwide.
She noted that every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where their rights are protected and their full potential can be realized.
The Minister highlighted Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to strengthen child protection systems, combat gender-based violence, promote child participation in decision-making processes, expand social welfare services, and enhance collaboration among government institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners.
She further stressed that ending violence against children requires sustained investment, effective policies, and strong partnerships, emphasizing that no single institution can address the challenge alone.
During the meeting, participants examined strategies for improving integrated child protection services, strengthening child-friendly justice systems, enhancing alternative care arrangements, expanding violence prevention initiatives, increasing social protection programmes, mobilizing financing for child protection, and reinforcing accountability mechanisms.
Officials stated that the engagement provided Sierra Leone with an opportunity to showcase the progress it has made in advancing child protection reforms while learning from successful interventions implemented in other countries.
The discussions also enabled the country to strengthen partnerships that will support ongoing efforts to improve the welfare, safety, and protection of children across Sierra Leone.
As a member of the Pathfinding Global Alliance, Sierra Leone renewed its commitment to accelerating progress toward the United Nations, including the target of ending all forms of violence against children by 2030.
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs reaffirmed its dedication to building a safer, more inclusive society where every child can grow, develop, and thrive free from violence, abuse, and exploitation.