The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, Dr. Najat Maalla M'jid, has been engaging with key institutions in Sierra Leone to strengthen national mechanisms for preventing and responding to violence against children. Her visit, which began earlier in the week, included a series of meetings in Freetown on Thursday, November 12, 2026. The engagements aimed to assess progress, identify gaps, and explore opportunities for stronger partnerships in child protection.
Dr. Maalla M'jid held meetings with the Chief Justice and the Speaker of Parliament, focusing on the role of the judiciary and legislative institutions in strengthening child protection. Discussions centered on ensuring that children are adequately protected from all forms of violence. Her visit also included meetings with civil society organisations to evaluate existing mechanisms and identify areas for improvement.
The UN Envoy's meetings brought together representatives of the private sector, development partners, embassies, high commissions, and donors. These stakeholders highlighted the importance of coordinated action across different sectors to prevent violence against children. According to UNICEF Sierra Leone, the discussions emphasized the need for stronger institutional collaboration and greater corporate involvement in initiatives aimed at preventing violence against children.
Dr. Maalla M'jid's visit reinforced the importance of collective responsibility in addressing violence against children. Government institutions, civil society, the private sector, and development partners are expected to play active roles in creating safer environments for children across Sierra Leone. The UN Envoy's engagements also explored opportunities for community involvement and the use of evidence and innovation to improve child protection systems.
The meetings with the Chief Justice and Speaker of Parliament underscored the critical role of these institutions in protecting children from violence. The judiciary and legislative institutions can play a crucial role in ensuring that laws and policies aimed at protecting children are enforced and implemented effectively.
UNICEF Sierra Leone noted that the visit highlighted the need for sustained investment in initiatives aimed at preventing violence against children. The organisation emphasized that effective protection mechanisms require coordinated action and collective responsibility from all stakeholders. Dr. Maalla M'jid's visit is expected to contribute to the development of stronger child protection systems in Sierra Leone.
The UN Envoy's visit to Sierra Leone is part of her efforts to engage with countries and stakeholders to prevent and respond to violence against children. Her engagements in Sierra Leone demonstrate the importance of collaboration and collective action in creating safer environments for children. The visit is expected to yield positive outcomes in the country's efforts to strengthen child protection mechanisms.
Key points
- Dr. Najat Maalla M'jid engages with Sierra Leone's Chief Justice and Speaker to strengthen child protection
- UN Envoy's visit aims to prevent and respond to violence against children in Sierra Leone
- Collective responsibility and coordinated action are crucial in creating safer environments for children
