Sierra Leone's Gender Minister Hosts UN Child Protection Representative

The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, has welcomed the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children to Freetown. The visit aimed at strengthening child protection systems and promoting the rights and welfare of children in Sierra Leone. The programme commenced on 8th November 2026 and included various engagements to achieve its objectives. Dr. Mahoi's ministry is working to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, protected and supportive environment.

The UN Special Representative visited the Children’s Remand Home, where she held discussions with children and staff to gain insights into their experiences and the facility’s operations. The delegation also visited the World Vision Children’s Shelter in eastern Freetown, where a roundtable discussion was held on efforts to protect vulnerable children and strengthen community-based child protection services. These visits marked the beginning of a week of strategic discussions and field visits.

The day’s engagements continued in Susan’s Bay, where the Mayor of Freetown received the UN Special Representative and her delegation. The team toured a child-friendly centre currently being established within the community, which aims to provide children with a safe, inclusive and supportive environment. This centre is part of the efforts to strengthen child protection systems and promote the rights and welfare of children.

The visits and discussions are part of a week-long programme aimed at reinforcing collective efforts to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, protected and supportive environment. The programme involves strategic discussions, institutional engagements and field visits. The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs is working with partners to achieve the programme's objectives.

The UN Special Representative's visit is expected to strengthen partnerships and promote the rights and welfare of children in Sierra Leone. The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, led by Dr. Isata Mahoi, is committed to ensuring that every child grows up in a safe and supportive environment. The programme's outcomes are expected to contribute to the achievement of this goal.

The child protection system in Sierra Leone faces various challenges, including limited resources and infrastructure. The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs is working to address these challenges and promote the rights and welfare of children. The UN Special Representative's visit is expected to bring attention to these issues and promote solutions.

The week-long programme concluded with a commitment to continue working together to promote the rights and welfare of children in Sierra Leone. Dr. Isata Mahoi and the UN Special Representative emphasized the importance of collective efforts to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, protected and supportive environment. The programme's outcomes are expected to contribute to the achievement of this goal.

Key points

• The UN Special Representative's visit aimed at strengthening child protection systems and promoting the rights and welfare of children in Sierra Leone.