Janaury 21, 2022
Medical Store, New England Ville, Freetown, 19 January, 2022- With support from the Government of Japan, under the Response to the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 on child right and resilience building in Sierra Leone project, the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has donated 33 motorbikes to the Family Support Unit (FSU) of the SLP and the National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA).
Speaking at the donation ceremony, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Ambrose Michael Sovula emphasis on the need to protect children, noting that useful children today are better citizens tomorrow.
The donation he went on to say was to augment the government of Sierra Leone in providing care service for children.
With the motorbikes, the FSU he said would be able to access hard to reach communities and villages.
He however pleaded with UNICEF to remember the SLP for capacity building through training.
“When there is no proper policing, there is a breakdown in law and order and by extension, the children will suffer” cried the IGP, for which he called for help that will help prevent the children from suffering.
He concluded by commending the President Bio led administration for giving the SLP operational independency which he said has led to quality and better service delivery and assures that the motorbikes donated would be used for it intended purpose.
Earlier, the country representative for UNICEF, Suleiman Braimah explained that the key mandate of UNICEF is the safety and protection of children.
UNICEF he added was doing all it can to make sure children grow up in a healthy and conducive environment.
He therefore expressed hope that the motorbikes will help increase access to hard to reach communities, enhance geographic coverage in preventing and response to violence against children and gender base violence across the country including through the 6 one stop centers as well as improve monitoring of health facilities and birth and death registration of children.
“We would be doing disservice to the next generation if we fail to provide them the right of legal identity and protect them from all forms of violence and exploitation.
UNICEF he said therefore stands ready to enhance FSU and NCRA business process to prevent and respond to sexual gender base violence and other forms of violence against women and children.
He expressed optimism that the motorbikes will contribute to the unwavering effort of FSU and NCRA to increase access to justice for all women and children in contact with the law.