President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has issued a strong call for international action to support survivors of sexual violence in conflict and their children, during a high-level event at the United Nations in New York.
Speaking at the event titled “Pregnancy, Children Born, and Sexual Violence in Conflict,” President Bio reflected on Sierra Leone’s own painful history during its civil war, where an estimated 20,000 children were born of rape. He said, “These memories compel us to act,” as he urged world leaders to shift from recognition to concrete commitments.
The President praised First Lady Fatima Maada Bio and Pramila Patten, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, for convening the discussion and confronting a global issue that is often neglected.
Highlighting Sierra Leone’s national response, President Bio pointed to the declaration of sexual and gender-based violence as a national emergency, the establishment of a Sexual Offences Court, expansion of One-Stop Centres, and the implementation of free quality education to protect girls and promote recovery.
On the global stage, Sierra Leone has been a strong voice in the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, partnering with Japan in 2022 to pass a UN resolution focused on justice and reparations for victims of conflict-related sexual violence.
President Bio endorsed the UN Secretary-General’s recommendations for survivor-centred services, legal protections for children born of rape, reintegration support, and adequate funding for long-term recovery.
“We must build a world where no woman’s body is used as a battlefield, and where every child enjoys dignity, rights, and hope,” President Bio declared.
Other powerful statements were made by First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi of the DRC, and Pramila Patten. The event was moderated by UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador Isha Sesay, who presented the Global Declaration of Principles on the Rights of Children Born of Conflict-Related Rape.
