Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs Engages Development Partners on National Committee for Child Welfare.

The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MGCA) held a high-level strategic engagement with development partners and key stakeholders to discuss progress on child protection and the strengthening of the National Committee for Child Welfare.

The meeting, hosted at the Ministry’s headquarters in Freetown, brought together representatives from civil society, human rights institutions, and government agencies. Among the notable attendees were representatives from YACAN, the Human Rights Commission, Deputy Chief Director Mr. Charles Vandi, Chief Director Mr. Joseph Sunday Sinnah, Director of Children’s Affairs, Mrs. Joyce B. Kamara, and Deputy Director, Mr. Daniel Albert Gbow.

Welcoming participants at the meeting, the Deputy Chief Director, Charles Vandi spoke on the progress on the Child Rights Act (CRA) and UNCRC Validation and also outlined the meeting’s agenda, focusing on policy updates, legislative progress, and coordination efforts in child welfare.

Mr. Vandi provided detailed insights into the CRA bill’s status, noting that 98% of parliamentary discussions have been completed.

He said the contentious issue of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a sticking point; reiterating the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to finalizing the bill and strengthening the policy framework for child protection.

Addressing Alarming Child Protection Challenges, Mr. Vandi highlighted several ongoing child protection concerns, including increasing cases of child cruelty, sexual violence, and FGM.

He referenced the recent apprehension of Soweis in Port Loko for performing FGM, a tragic child death in Kailahun, and other reported cases of abuse.

He emphasized that child protection officers across the provinces have been put on high alert and urged to collaborate with local authorities and stakeholders to prevent and respond to violations of children's rights.

“We have alerted colleagues from the provinces to work collaboratively to end violence against children and respond

effectively to child protection issues,

Vandi stressed.

The Deputy Director, Mr. Daniel Albert Gbow presented key updates from the Ministry’s action plans and regional assessments, emphasizing the Child Rights Act (CRA) bill and the validation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) as strategic priorities.

Chief Director Mr. Joseph Sunday Sinnah reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to the CRA bill, citing its vital role in reinforcing legal protections for children at both national and inter-ministerial levels.

Meanwhile, a representative from the Human Rights Commission raised concerns over parliamentary delays in passing the bill, citing a lack of urgency among some lawmakers.

In her closing remarks, Director of Children’s Affairs Mrs. Joyce B. Kamara commended the development partners for their ongoing support.

Calling for Continued Partnership, she encouraged sustained collaboration to further improve interventions and ensure that the rights and welfare of children remain a national priority.

The meeting concluded with an open discussion under-laying the groundwork for coordinated next steps in advancing child welfare efforts across Sierra Leone.

Reported by:

Kelvin Mark Kargbo

mkelson367@gmail.com

078104964