By Foday Moriba Conteh
The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Isata Mahoi, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to protecting children from all forms of violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect during the Global Meeting of the Pathfinding Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children held in Turin, Italy.
The high-level meeting, which took place at the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC) from 4 to 5 June 2026, brought together Ministers, policymakers, representatives of United Nations agencies, development partners and child protection experts from across the world to review progress and strengthen international cooperation aimed at ending violence against children.
The Sierra Leone delegation was led by the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs and included the National Focal Point for Ending Violence Against Children. Their participation highlighted the Government’s continued efforts to place child welfare and protection at the centre of national development.
Addressing the global gathering, the Minister emphasized that safeguarding children is both a national responsibility and a fundamental priority for the Government of Sierra Leone.
“The protection of children is not only a policy priority but a national responsibility. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing and supportive environment where their rights are respected and their potential can flourish,” the Minister stated.
She outlined the significant steps taken by the Government to strengthen child protection systems, combat gender-based violence, encourage child participation in decision-making processes, expand social welfare services and improve collaboration between Government institutions, Civil Society Organizations and development partners.
The Minister stressed that achieving lasting success in ending violence against children requires a united and coordinated approach involving all stakeholders.
“No single institution can end violence against children alone. Success depends on strong partnerships, adequate resources, community engagement and a shared commitment to putting children at the centre of national development,” she said.
Throughout the two-day meeting, Sierra Leone actively contributed to discussions on integrated child protection services, child-friendly justice systems, alternative care, violence prevention strategies, social protection, sustainable financing for child welfare programmes and stronger accountability mechanisms.
The international engagement also provided Sierra Leone with an opportunity to showcase its achievements in advancing child protection while learning from successful initiatives implemented by other countries. It further strengthened partnerships expected to support ongoing efforts to improve the well-being and safety of children across the nation.
As a proud member of the Pathfinding Global Alliance, Sierra Leone renewed its commitment to accelerating action towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals , particularly the target of ending all forms of violence against children by 2030.
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs reaffirmed that it remains steadfast in its mission to build a safer, more inclusive and protective society where every child is given the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
