UNICEF Urges Parliament to Establish Dedicated Caucus for Children
Aminata Koroma The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, to facilitate the establishment of a Parliamentary Caucus for Children ahead of World Children’s Day on 20th November 2026.
The appeal was made during a courtesy call by a high-level UNICEF delegation to the Speaker at Parliament, where discussions centred on strengthening collaboration between UNICEF and Parliament to promote and protect the rights and welfare of children in Sierra Leone.
Leading the delegation, UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone, Mariko Kagosima, commended the Speaker for his leadership in ensuring the enactment of the landmark Prohibition of Child Marriage Act. She called for sustained collaboration between UNICEF and Parliament to advance initiatives aimed at protecting children across the country.
The Acting Deputy Representative, Nkandu Chilombo, highlighted the strategic importance of the Parliamentary Budget Office, disclosing that UNICEF has scheduled a half-day working session with the office next week, involving selected Members of Parliament.
He explained that the session would focus on strengthening the capacity of the Budget Office, particularly in budget debates and analysis relating to the social sector, ahead of the presentation of the 2027 National Budget to Parliament. He also expressed appreciation to the Speaker and the Clerk of Parliament for facilitating the engagement.
Similarly, UNICEF Social Policy Specialist, Kelvin Mutambirwa, called for deeper engagement with the Office of the Speaker and the Parliamentary Budget Office on budgetary processes.
He said UNICEF wants to ensure that allocations intended for children reach their intended beneficiaries, adding that the proposed working session would also examine Parliament’s role in budget implementation and oversight.
Meanwhile, UNICEF Chief of Communications, Suzanne Wooster, thanked the Speaker for his leadership during last year’s World Children’s Day celebrations.
She recalled that one of the key calls to action from the event was the establishment of a Parliamentary Caucus for Children.
She therefore urged the Speaker to facilitate the formation of the caucus before this year’s celebration on 20th November 2026.
Wooster also appealed to the Speaker to ensure that provisions promoting children’s rights and protection are incorporated into the proposed Data Protection Act, which is currently before Parliament for consideration.
Responding, Speaker Segepoh Solomon Thomas welcomed the UNICEF delegation and reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to being a progressive and child-friendly institution.
He encouraged UNICEF to continue engaging his office whenever support is needed, particularly on issues relating to children’s welfare.
The Speaker also reiterated his personal commitment to children’s rights, citing his role in the enactment of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, and pledged his continued support for initiatives aimed at advancing the rights and well-being of children in Sierra Leone.