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An African Union (AU) delegation visiting Sierra Leone has commended the country’s strides in child protection while urging stronger measures to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage.
At the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs Headquarters in Freetown, AU delegation head Ms. Catherine Maino said the visit aimed to conclude discussions following their monitoring tour of child protection agencies across the country.
“Our mission assessed key outcomes, challenges, and recommendations to strengthen child protection efforts,” Ms. Maino noted, praising the Government, the Ministry, and local child protection institutions for their pivotal role in promoting children’s rights.
She highlighted Sierra Leone’s landmark passage of the Child Marriage Act and the criminalization of perpetrators, and welcomed plans to develop a national strategic framework to address FGM. “We emphasize the importance of holding FGM perpetrators accountable,” she added, urging greater political will and community engagement to end harmful practices while also addressing emerging issues such as substance abuse among children.
Responding, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs Dr. Isata Mahoi reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding children nationwide. She stressed that significant progress has been made through policy development and implementation frameworks, and reiterated the government’s dedication to strengthening child protection systems.
The visit concluded with a group photograph of Ministry officials and the AU delegation, symbolizing a renewed commitment to advancing children’s rights in Sierra Leone.
Officials present included Permanent Secretary Aminata Y. Sannoh, Deputy Chief Director Charles Vandi, Director of Children’s Affairs Mrs. Joyce B. Kamara, Deputy Director Daniel Albert Gbow, alongside the AU delegation led by Ms. Catherine Maino.
