UN Special Representative visits Sierra Leone to strengthen national efforts to end violence against children

Freetown, Sierra Leone – 9 November 2026 – The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, Dr Najat Maalla M'jid, has begun an official visit to Sierra Leone to support national efforts to accelerate action to prevent and end violence against children. 

Hosted by the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs, in collaboration with UNICEF, the visit comes as Sierra Leone prepares to launch its Whole-of-Government Framework for Ending Violence Against Children. 

 Sierra Leone: Key facts on children 

• 87% of children aged 1–14 have experienced violent discipline at home.  

• About 61% of girls aged 15–19 have undergone female genital mutilation.  

• Nearly one in three girls is married before age 18.  

• 21% of adolescent girls aged 15–19 have begun childbearing, while teenage pregnancy is estimated to account for 40% of maternal deaths.  

• 66% of children are multidimensionally poor.  

• Only 0.8% of children are covered by social protection systems.  

• Only around SLE 16 (US$0.66) per child per year is invested in child protection from public resources. 

Violence against children remains a serious concern in Sierra Leone, affecting children’s safety, health, education, development and well-being. It takes many forms, including physical, emotional and sexual violence, harmful practices, exploitation and neglect. Ending violence against children requires coordinated action across Government, stronger child protection systems, sustained investment in prevention and response services, and the meaningful participation of children and communities. 

Sierra Leone has made important progress in strengthening protection for children. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2024) and the Child Rights Act (2025), together with the National Strategy for Reducing Teenage Pregnancy and Child Marriage, have strengthened the legal and policy framework. In 2025, nearly 160,000 children received social welfare, justice or psychosocial support services, while gender-based violence case management systems were expanded to all 16 districts and access to specialised justice was strengthened.  

“Ending violence against children is a national priority for the Government of Sierra Leone. The Whole-of-Government Framework will strengthen how ministries and institutions work together to prevent violence, respond effectively when it occurs and ensure clear accountability for results. Our priority now is to translate our laws and commitments into concrete action that makes a difference in the lives of children across Sierra Leone,” said Dr. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs. 

“Sierra Leone has shown what is possible when strong laws, expanded services and engaged communities work together. But too many children remain vulnerable, and greater investment in child protection is needed to reach every child. This visit is an opportunity to turn commitment into sustained financing, stronger systems and better protection for children. UNICEF will continue to stand with the Government and partners to help ensure every girl and boy in Sierra Leone grows up safe,” said Mariko Kagoshima, UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone. 

The visit provides an opportunity to reinforce Sierra Leone's commitment to protecting children from violence and advancing a comprehensive, coordinated response across gender, education, health, justice, social welfare, security and local governance. 

In Freetown, Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid is expected to engage senior Government officials, including H.E. Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, H.E. Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady, and representatives of key national institutions. She will also meet civil society organisations, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, private sector representatives, local authorities and child protection service providers to discuss progress, remaining challenges and opportunities for stronger collaboration. 

A central part of the visit will be hearing directly from children and young people. Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid will engage girls and boys, including through community and school-based interactions, to hear their experiences, priorities and proposed solutions on issues affecting their safety and well-being, including violence in schools, child marriage, child labour, online safety and participation in decisions that affect their lives. 

“Every child has the right to grow up free from violence, and children themselves must be part of shaping the solutions. This visit is an opportunity to build on Sierra Leone’s progress and turn commitments into concrete action and lasting protection for every child,” said Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children. 

A key highlight of the mission will be the national launch of Sierra Leone's Whole-of-Government Framework for Ending Violence Against Children on Friday, 13 November 2026, in Freetown. The framework is intended to strengthen coordination and accountability across Government ministries and institutions, bringing together national efforts on prevention, child protection systems, service delivery, data and monitoring, financing and implementation. 

The launch will bring together senior Government officials, United Nations representatives, children’s organisations and development partners. Through high-level dialogue, community engagement, children’s participation and the launch of the Whole-of-Government Framework, the visit is expected to reinforce national commitment and mobilise sustained action and investment to strengthen child protection systems and protect children across Sierra Leone. 

About the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children 

Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid is the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children. Her mandate is to serve as a global advocate for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against children, promoting the implementation of international commitments and strengthening collaboration among Governments, United Nations agencies, civil society, and other partners to ensure that children are protected from violence in all settings. 

About UNICEF 

UNICEF works in some of the world's toughest places to reach the world's most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. 

For more information about UNICEF and its work for children in Sierra Leone, visit https://www.unicef.org/sierraleone 

Follow UNICEF Sierra Leone on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

End 

For further information, please contact: 

UNICEF: Suzanne Wooster, UNICEF Sierra Leone, +232 759 86 567, [email protected]  

Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs: Laura Koroma, +232 766 12 833, [email protected]