An African Union (AU) delegation visiting Sierra Leone has commended the country’s progress in advancing child protection while urging stronger measures to address Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage.
Speaking at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs Headquarters in Freetown, the AU delegation head, Ms. Catherine Maino, explained that the visit was aimed at concluding discussions on their observation and monitoring tour of child protection agencies across the country.
She noted that the mission focused on assessing key outcomes, challenges, and recommendations to strengthen child protection efforts.
Ms. Maino praised the Government, the Ministry’s leadership, and local child protection institutions for their pivotal role in promoting children’s rights.
She also highlighted the delegation’s key findings, commending Sierra Leone for the landmark passage of the Child Marriage Act and the criminalization of perpetrators.
“We are proud to see that a national strategic framework will be developed to tackle FGM practices,” she said, emphasizing the need for perpetrators of FGM to be held accountable.
She called for greater political will and community engagement to end harmful practices while also addressing emerging concerns such as substance abuse among children.
She further encouraged increased government support to child protection agencies through funding, capacity building, and healthcare services.
In her response, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, welcomed the AU delegation and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to protecting children nationwide.
She noted that significant progress has been made in advancing child rights through policy development and implementation frameworks, stressing the government’s continued dedication to strengthening child protection systems.
The engagement concluded with a group photograph of Ministry officials and the AU delegation, marking a renewed commitment to safeguarding children’s rights in Sierra Leone.
In attendance were Permanent Secretary Aminata Y. Sannoh, Deputy Chief Director Charles Vandi, Director of Children’s Affairs Mrs. Joyce B. Kamara, Deputy Director Daniel Albert Gbow, and the AU delegation led by Ms. Catherine Maino.
