Minister Mahoi Engages UN on Strengthening Child Protection in Sierra Leone
Sia Lucy Kannah Sierra Leone’s Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, has engaged the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) on Violence Against Children on efforts to strengthen child protection systems in Sierra Leone.
The engagement took place on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York, where Minister Mahoi highlighted Sierra Leone’s recent legal reforms and discussed the need for stronger systems to protect children from abuse, exploitation and violence.
During the meeting, Dr. Mahoi pointed to the passage of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024, and the Child Rights Act, 2025, describing the legislative reforms as important milestones in strengthening legal protection for children in Sierra Leone.
“Passage of legislation is a critical foundation, but the true measure of success lies in translating these legal reforms into actionable, countrywide systems that deliver tangible safety for our children,” she said.
The Minister stressed that legislation alone is not sufficient to end child abuse, exploitation and violence, noting the need for effective systems that can translate legal protections into tangible outcomes for children across the country.
She also called for stronger collaboration between the Government of Sierra Leone, United Nations agencies, civil society organisations, local communities and international development partners to advance child protection efforts.
The engagement further highlighted the importance of sustained investment and survivor-centred approaches in strengthening mechanisms for preventing and responding to violence against children.
Minister Mahoi’s engagement with the UN forms part of Sierra Leone’s broader participation in UNGA 81, where the country is highlighting issues around child protection, digital safety and the rights of girls as part of its social development priorities.