The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the European Union-funded Spotlight Initiative implemented in partnership with the United Nations, has presented an assessment report on Family Support Unit (FSU) service provision and capacity gaps to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. William Fayia Sellu. The presentation reaffirms UNDP’s commitment to strengthening access to justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Sierra Leone.

Presenting the report, UNDP Gender Analyst Madam Kadiatu Bachalle Taylor said the Spotlight Initiative is supporting interventions in Kailahun, Falaba, and Moyamba Districts in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the Judiciary, and the Ministry of Justice. She noted that the initiative aims to strengthen institutional capacity and improve access to justice for SGBV survivors.

Madam Taylor commended Family Support Unit officers for their dedication, particularly those serving in remote communities despite limited resources. She explained that the assessment, conducted across nine FSU jurisdictions, identified critical staffing, logistical, and operational gaps affecting service delivery.

She revealed that UNDP has procured 14 motorcycles, laptops, printers, and other ICT equipment to enhance the mobility and operational effectiveness of FSU personnel.

She also disclosed that a review of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) is underway to address emerging forms of gender-based violence, including technology-facilitated offences and crimes committed in border communities.
Receiving the report, Inspector General of Police Mr. William Fayia Sellu thanked UNDP for its continued support to the Sierra Leone Police, describing the Family Support Unit as one of the Force’s most critical departments.

The IGP assured the UNDP delegation that Police Management would carefully consider the report’s recommendations and provide the necessary support for their implementation. He also pledged to engage the UNDP Resident Representative to accelerate the delivery of the proposed interventions.

He noted that increasing public confidence in the Family Support Unit has resulted in more survivors reporting cases of sexual and gender-based violence to the Police, stressing the need to build on these gains by further strengthening the Unit.

The meeting concluded with the formal presentation of the Assessment Report, reaffirming the strong partnership between the Sierra Leone Police and UNDP under the Spotlight Initiative in advancing access to justice and improving protection for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

Credit – SLP Media Team

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 6th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)