Bio, UN Envoy Discuss Strengthening Child Protection in Sierra Leone

President Julius Maada Bio received the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Violence Against Children, Dr Najat Maalla M’jid, during a courtesy visit at his office in Freetown on November 9, 2026.

The delegation was led by Isata Mahoi, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs. Discussions covered the protection of children from violence, cooperation between the Government and the United Nations, and efforts to address harmful practices affecting children.

Call for sustained cooperation

Dr M’jid recognised President Bio’s contribution to protecting and advancing children’s rights in Sierra Leone. She said safeguarding children would require sustained investment, coordinated action and close cooperation between the Government and the international community.

The UN representative also called for increased technical support to reinforce national child-protection systems and advance the President’s child-protection agenda. She encouraged the Government to maintain its efforts to address female genital mutilation and child marriage.

According to the State House Media and Communications Unit, Dr M’jid also welcomed the inclusion of children’s welfare in the President’s national development agenda and expressed her commitment to advocating for children both locally and internationally.

Education and national dialogue

President Bio thanked the United Nations for its continued support for efforts to combat violence against children. He reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to protecting children from violence, abuse and exploitation, while expressing support for stronger cooperation to advance children’s rights and welfare.

He highlighted the Free Quality School Education programme as a flagship commitment of his Government and a central promise of the New Direction manifesto. President Bio said the programme had expanded access to education for children across Sierra Leone despite global economic pressures and other international crises.

The President also said discussions on female genital mutilation and child marriage required careful engagement and broad-based national consensus. He identified Parliament and religious leaders as important participants in that process.

The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment by the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations to strengthen child-protection systems. No specific decisions, timelines or additional support arrangements were reported.