By: Aminata Sesay
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged the Government of Sierra Leone to increase public investment in child welfare. This call was made during a courtesy visit to the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, by UNICEF Representative to Sierra Leone, Rudolf Schwenk.
Mr. Schwenk commended the country’s progress in promoting transparency and inclusivity, particularly highlighting the Sixth Parliament’s strong performance in the Open Parliament Index. Under the leadership of Speaker Thomas, Parliament received high marks for openness and public engagement.
Despite these achievements, Schwenk stressed the urgent need for greater financial commitments to policies that directly affect children’s well-being.
“Sierra Leone has made significant policy commitments to advance children’s rights,” Schwenk said. “However, meaningful change depends on the ability to translate those commitments into equitable and effective implementation at the community level.”
He pointed out that while some districts are better equipped to deliver essential services, others continue to face major funding gaps. Key child protection services those aimed at preventing abuse, exploitation, and violence remain chronically underfunded.
Schwenk also raised concerns about the rising rate of teenage pregnancy, linking it to school dropout, poor health outcomes, and long-term cycles of poverty.
“This issue is especially urgent,” he noted. “Children suffering from hunger, illness, or lack of access to clean water often struggle to succeed academically. That’s why integrated investment across education, health, and sanitation is crucial.”
He emphasized that such holistic investment is not only a moral obligation but also aligns with Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan.
In response, Speaker Thomas expressed gratitude for UNICEF’s recognition of Parliament’s efforts and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to child welfare. He highlighted recent legislative achievements, such as the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act of 2024, as examples of Parliament’s dedication to children’s rights.
However, he acknowledged the challenges involved in passing certain legislation particularly the long-delayed Child Rights Act due to differing views among lawmakers.
“We are genuinely committed to improving the lives of children,” Speaker Thomas said. “The difficulty lies in achieving consensus on some of the Act’s sensitive provisions. But we are determined to get it right.”
He welcomed UNICEF’s call for increased public investment and encouraged the organization to engage with the Ministry of Finance to advance the conversation.
UNICEF’s visit highlights a growing focus on turning legislative promises into tangible, well-funded action. As Sierra Leone continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, both parties agreed that the next critical step is ensuring sufficient resources are allocated to give every child a fair start in life.