By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara

The Government of Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of children following a courtesy meeting between the Minister responsible for child protection and the newly appointed UNICEF Representative to Sierra Leone, Ms. Kagoshima.

The meeting marked the beginning of a renewed partnership aimed at strengthening child protection systems, improving access to essential services, and ensuring that every child in the country has the opportunity to grow up in a safe and supportive environment.

Welcoming Ms. Kagoshima, the Minister described child protection as one of the Government’s highest priorities, stressing that strong collaboration with development partners such as UNICEF remains vital to advancing the country’s child welfare agenda.

She commended UNICEF for its longstanding support to Sierra Leone, noting that the organisation has played a significant role in strengthening child protection mechanisms, promoting children’s rights, and providing assistance to vulnerable children and families across the country.

“The Government remains fully committed to working closely with UNICEF to ensure that every child in Sierra Leone is safe, protected, and allowed to thrive,” the Minister said.

She further highlighted the need for sustained cooperation to address the challenges facing children, including protection risks, limited access to essential social services, and other barriers that prevent children from reaching their full potential. She emphasised that every child deserves equal opportunities regardless of their background or circumstances, reaffirming the Government’s determination to ensure that no child is left behind.

Responding, the newly appointed UNICEF Representative, Ms. Kagoshima, expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and congratulated the Minister on her leadership and commitment to improving the lives of children.

She reaffirmed UNICEF’s readiness to continue supporting the Government’s priorities, stating that the organisation remains committed to working alongside national institutions to strengthen child protection systems, improve child welfare programmes, and deliver sustainable results for children throughout Sierra Leone.

Ms. Kagoshima noted that UNICEF values its partnership with the Government and looks forward to expanding collaborative efforts that will safeguard children’s rights and promote their overall well-being.

The meeting concluded with both parties pledging to deepen cooperation, reinforce child protection frameworks, and intensify efforts to create a safer, more inclusive, and nurturing environment where every child in Sierra Leone can survive, develop, and thrive.

The renewed commitment reflects the shared vision of the Government of Sierra Leone and UNICEF to place children at the centre of national development and ensure that their rights remain protected as the country continues its social and economic development journey.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 5th August 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)