The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and UNICEF, hosted a national dialogue workshop on Thursday, 10th April, 2025 to validate Sierra Leone’s report to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

The workshop, held at the CCSL Hall in Freetown, gathered key stakeholders including government officials, civil society representatives, child-led organizations, and development partners to review and finalize the report ahead of its submission to the UN Committee.

The initiative is confirmed to be a part of Sierra Leone’s commitment under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

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During the event, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, emphasized the government’s dedication to promoting child rights. “This validation is a critical milestone in our efforts to reflect the views, challenges, and aspirations of children across the country,” she stated, acknowledging the importance of inclusive participation in drafting the report.

Minister Mahoi also extended gratitude to UNICEF for its continued support throughout the process, thanking civil society organizations and child representatives for their contributions.

UNICEF Country Representative, Mr. Rudolf Schwenk, highlighted the need for collective action to protect children’s rights. “This report is not just a document, it is a reflection of our collective resolve to build a better future for children,” he remarked, reaffirming UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the government in areas such as data generation, community engagement, and policy development.

Marian A. Sanu, Chairperson of the National Commission for Democracy (NCD), underlined the importance of civic education in empowering children and creating safe spaces for dialogue. “Validation is part of the world’s vision for children,” she stated, stressing equality, justice, and access to quality education.

The Deputy Commissioner of the National Commission for Children (NCC), Mr. Henry Sheku, pointed out that the validation report resulted from effective collaboration among various stakeholders and called for further action to address children’s well-being.

Brima Conteh from the Child Rights Coalition reiterated the Coalition’s partnership with the government in advocating for children’s interests. He asserted that the validation process should ensure the report accurately reflects the realities faced by children, particularly the most vulnerable.

Representing the Children’s Forum Network (CFN), Morrison Bockarie passionately advocated for the inclusion of children’s voices in policy-making. He questioned the level of children’s involvement in decision-making processes and urged stakeholders to prioritize investment in education and child-centered policies.

Key speakers also included Madam Aminata Y. Sannoh, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, and Deputy Chief Director Charles Vandi, both reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to child protection.

The workshop concluded with breakout sessions, allowing participants to review the draft report and offer recommendations to strengthen its content and relevance. Sierra Leone’s forthcoming report to the UN Committee has been poised a vital step that will play a crucial role in assessing the country’s progress in promoting the rights and welfare of children.