MoGCA, UNICEF and WHO Convene Preparatory Meeting Ahead of Global Conference on Ending Violence Against Children

MoGCA, UNICEF and the World Health Organization convened high-level preparatory talks on September 10. Government ministries, development partners, civil society organisations, and the Children's Forum Network gathered to review progress, challenges, and priorities. Sierra Leone is consolidating child protection commitments.

The session helped shape national commitments for the Second Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, scheduled for 18–19 November in Manila, Philippines.

Opening the meeting, Chief Director Charles Vandi recalled Sierra Leone's participation in the first global conference in Bogotá, Colombia. He stressed the importance of the forthcoming summit and encouraged meaningful discussions to shape the country's priorities and international contributions.

Abdul Manaff Kemokai, Executive Director of Defence for Children International–Sierra Leone, chaired the session. He described the preparatory process as an opportunity for stakeholders to share experiences, identify gaps and develop practical commitments.

Mariko Kagoshima, UNICEF's Country Representative, commended the government's efforts to strengthen child protection through legislation, policies and systems. She described ending violence against children as a shared responsibility requiring a coordinated, whole-of-government approach. She pointed to persistent challenges including female genital mutilation, child marriage and sexual violence. She pledged continued technical support and collaboration.

Dr Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children's Affairs, delivered a goodwill message, describing the conference as an important platform for shared commitments. Citing Sierra Leone's legal and policy frameworks and its participation in Bogotá, she called for increased financial investment and stronger national campaigns.

"We have also strengthened the participation of children in engaging in key decision-making roles," she said.

Assistant Director Laura Koroma outlined areas set to receive attention: strengthening parent and caregiver support, creating safer digital spaces, mobilising movements behind national commitments, reinforcing the social service workforce, improving coordinated social protection systems and advancing efforts against harmful practices including FGM.

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs David Fortune said violence against children was not only a child protection concern but a matter of national stability, security and social wellbeing. Security institutions were stepping up their response to gender-based violence, substance abuse and child trafficking, he said, calling on personnel to uphold professionalism, integrity and established policy.

Julianna Konneh, representing the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, said the ministry managed about 13,000 schools nationwide. She stressed the need to address school-related gender-based violence and ensure schools remain safe, child-friendly environments.

Hannah Koroma of the Ministry of Social Welfare underscored positive parenting programmes as a core violence prevention measure. Alpha Kuyateh, a gender officer at the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, called for stronger protection mechanisms at community level, while former legislator Sunday Sinnah pressed for robust financing of child protection interventions.

A representative of the Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation highlighted rising online risks, including cyber threats and online bullying, and called for stronger digital protection mechanisms and coordinated efforts to keep children safe online.

Assistant Director Bashiru Thullah presented the government's whole-of-government approach to ending violence against children, citing the Child Rights Act, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and the National Child Safeguarding Policy.

"Why do we have a whole-of-government approach?" he asked, arguing that all sectors must work together so children are protected through resilient, coordinated systems. He identified leadership and coordination, legal and policy frameworks, prevention and capacity building, integrated services and referral pathways, and justice and accountability as key pillars, and set out a roadmap moving from quick wins to scaled integration and, ultimately, sustainable systems.

Plenary discussion focused on challenges, opportunities and potential national pledge areas. Participants stressed sustained political commitment, adequate financing, stronger institutions, effective legislation, child participation, improved data systems and multi-sectoral partnerships.

With the Manila conference approaching, the session served as a platform to consolidate achievements and identify priority actions.

Correspondent-Kelvin Mark Kargbo

MoGCA Communications Unit

Email: mkelson367@gmail.com

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