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The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, has convened a National Preparatory Consultation ahead of the Second Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, scheduled to take place in the Philippines.
The consultation forms part of Sierra Leone’s broader efforts to strengthen national action, coordination and accountability in preventing and responding to all forms of violence against children.
It also provides an opportunity to assess progress since the First Global Ministerial Conference, held in Bogotá, Colombia, in 2024, and to consolidate Sierra Leone’s national commitments and priorities ahead of the upcoming conference.
Speaking at the consultation, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr Isata Mahoi, reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to protecting children from violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect.
Dr Mahoi highlighted progress made in strengthening the country’s legal and policy framework, child protection systems, prevention and response mechanisms, positive parenting initiatives, referral pathways and coordination among key stakeholders.
However, the Minister acknowledged that significant challenges remain, including limited resources, harmful social norms, gaps in access to child protection and justice services, and the need to strengthen data collection and evidence-based programming.
She stressed that ending violence against children requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, supported by stronger implementation, accountability, financing, evidence and measurable results.
Dr Mahoi also emphasised the importance of ensuring the meaningful participation of children and young people in decisions that affect their lives.
Representatives from UNICEF, WHO, government ministries, departments and agencies, development partners and other stakeholders reaffirmed their support for Sierra Leone’s efforts to strengthen mechanisms for preventing and responding to violence against children.
They called for collective action at national, community and global levels to address the factors that expose children to violence and strengthen systems designed to protect them.
As Sierra Leone prepares to participate in the Second Global Ministerial Conference, the national consultation is expected to help consolidate the country’s priorities and commitments, with emphasis on translating commitments into implementation, measurable results and lasting change for children.
