UN Envoy Engages Chief Justice, Speaker to Strengthen Child Protection in Sierra Leone
Aaron Parker The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, has engaged key institutions, civil society organisations and development partners in Sierra Leone as part of efforts to strengthen national mechanisms for preventing and responding to violence against children.
Dr. Maalla M’jid held a series of meetings in Freetown on Thursday, November 12, 2026, as her week-long visit to the country continues.
Her engagements included meetings with the Chief Justice and the Speaker of Parliament, where discussions focused on the role of the judiciary and legislative institutions in strengthening child protection and ensuring that children are adequately protected from all forms of violence.
She also met with civil society organisations to assess progress made in addressing violence against children, identify existing gaps and explore opportunities for stronger partnerships, community involvement and the use of evidence and innovation to improve child protection systems.
The discussions further brought together representatives of the private sector, development partners, embassies, high commissions and donors, highlighting the importance of coordinated action across different sectors.
According to UNICEF Sierra Leone, the engagements emphasised the need for stronger institutional collaboration, greater corporate involvement and sustained investment in initiatives aimed at preventing violence against children and ensuring effective protection mechanisms.
The visit reinforces the importance of collective responsibility in addressing violence against children, with government institutions, civil society, the private sector and development partners all expected to play active roles in creating safer environments for children across Sierra Leone.