The Parliament of Sierra Leone hosted a consultative meeting of the ECOWAS Joint Committees on Social Affairs, Gender, Legal Affairs, Trade, and Political Affairs to discuss child protection in the region. The session focused on “Parliamentary Approaches to Safeguarding Children in Street Situations and Addressing Child Exploitation in the ECOWAS Region.”
Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, head of Sierra Leone’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, welcomed the committee and highlighted the importance of parliamentary oversight and child protection laws in Sierra Leone. Ministers Melrose Karminty (Social Welfare) and Dr. Isata Mahoi (Gender and Children’s Affairs) presented on child welfare initiatives, reforms, and regional cooperation efforts.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, condemned violence against children and praised President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership on gender equality and child protection. Hon. Guy Marius Sagna, representing the ECOWAS Parliament Speaker, commended Sierra Leone for hosting the event and stressed the sharing of best practices across member states.
In his keynote address, Speaker Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas called for stronger regional laws to protect children and emphasized Parliament’s role in legislation, advocacy, and oversight. The meeting was moderated by Mohamed Jalloh, Director of the Centre for Strategy and Parliamentary Studies, who underscored the need for proactive measures to safeguard children’s rights in West Africa.
This engagement reinforces Sierra Leone’s commitment to child protection and strengthens collaboration with ECOWAS partners in promoting the welfare and rights of children across the sub-region.
