By Joseph Momoh, Daily Scope Reporter
An African Union (AU) delegation recently visited Sierra Leone to commend the nation’s progress in child welfare while emphasizing the urgent need to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and child marriage.
During a meeting at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs in Freetown, Ms. Catherine Maino, head of the AU delegation, outlined the purpose of their visit. “We aimed to evaluate key outcomes, identify challenges, and provide recommendations to enhance child protection initiatives,” she stated. Maino acknowledged the significant efforts of the Sierra Leonean government, the Ministry, and local child protection agencies in promoting children’s rights.
She praised the country’s recent enactment of the Child Marriage Act, which criminalizes child marriage and seeks to hold offenders accountable. Additionally, she expressed support for the development of a national strategic framework to tackle FGM, emphasizing the necessity of community engagement and political commitment to eradicate harmful practices. Maino also highlighted the need to address rising concerns such as substance abuse among young people.
In response, Dr. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to child protection across the country. She noted substantial advancements through policy development and the implementation of protective frameworks.
The visit culminated in a group photograph featuring Ministry officials and the AU delegation, symbolizing a renewed commitment to advancing children’s rights in Sierra Leone.
Present at the meeting were Permanent Secretary Aminata Y. Sannoh, Deputy Chief Director Charles Vandi, Director of Children’s Affairs Mrs. Joyce B. Kamara, and Deputy Director Daniel Albert Gbow, along with the AU representatives led by Ms. Maino.
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