UNICEF, Parliament Amplify Children’s Voices as Kids Present Bold Call to Action on World Children’s Day

By Lemuella Tarawallie The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the Parliament of Sierra Leone, on Monday joined the global community to commemorate World Children’s Day under the theme “My Day, My Right,” with a high-level National Children’s Dialogue held in Committee Room No. 1 at the Parliament Building, Tower Hill, Freetown.

This year’s observance placed children in Sierra Leone at the center of parliamentary dialogue, reflecting a renewed national commitment to child rights and protection.

Children representatives, drawn from all 16 districts, four from each district, including two girls and two boys, presented a consolidated “Children’s Call to Action” to the Speaker of the Sixth Parliament, delivered through the Chair of the Legislative Committee, Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marray-Conteh.

Fifteen-year-old Mariatu Marrah from Bombali District eloquently delivered the children’s recommendations, calling for a stronger national commitment to children’s rights and welfare.

Presenting the Children’s Three Key Recommendations on behalf of all children in Sierra Leone, Mariatu outlined:

1. The establishment of a Parliamentary Caucus on Children and Youth that meets quarterly.
2. Increased budgetary allocation to child-focused social sectors, including social protection, gender and children’s affairs, and social welfare.
3. Stronger accountability mechanisms for public spending on children at both central and local government levels.

Receiving the Call to Action on behalf of the Speaker, Hon. Abdul Sulaiman Marray-Conteh commended the children for their courage and clarity. He assured them that Parliament recognizes its “social contract” with the people, especially children, emphasizing that it is not just about having a caucus, but about having a functional caucus that meets quarterly.

He noted that plans are already underway to form a Parliamentary Youth Caucus and that incorporating children’s issues into this structure is both timely and feasible. On budget allocation, he reassured the children that Parliament is preparing for the upcoming budget debates and will actively examine how best to reflect children’s priorities. Regarding public spending accountability, he highlighted the role of oversight committees:

“If we increase allocation, we must also strengthen oversight to ensure the money is properly spent.”

He encouraged continuous engagement with Parliament:
“UNICEF has laid the foundation by bringing you to us. This is your house. Our doors are open.”

UNICEF’s Country Representative, Rudolf Schwenk, applauded the children for their bravery, emphasizing that their participation at the center of Parliament symbolizes the heart of democracy. He highlighted Sierra Leone’s progress on child rights, including the Child Rights Act 2007 and the newly enacted Child Rights Act 2025, while acknowledging persistent challenges.

“Despite gains, nearly four million children still face poverty, early marriage, and violence,” he noted. He called for continued investment in education, health, protection, and poverty reduction, stressing:

“A Sierra Leone that invests in its children is a Sierra Leone that invests in its future.”

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs delivered a comprehensive statement on the significance of the day. She outlined the global theme, “My Day, My Rights,” reaffirming that children must be seen as active participants in shaping their futures. Highlighting government progress, including the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, the toll-free 116 hotline, and nationwide one-stop centers, she called for strengthened positive parenting and community responsibility.

“Every child is born with rights; rights to survival, development, protection, and participation. These rights must not be compromised.”

Several Members of Parliament took turns speaking directly to the children, blending reassurance with guidance.

Hon. Mariama Munia Zumbo, representing Pujehun District, noted her decade of experience working with children through Plan International and UNICEF. She commended the children for highlighting issues of child poverty, corporal punishment, and child marriage, reminding them of the law prohibiting child marriage:

“No child under 18 is allowed to marry.”

Hon. Foday Maddie Jabbie, representing Falaba District and Chair of the Parliamentary Oversight on Basic Education, noted that as a former teacher of 30 years, he resonates with children’s struggles, including poverty and street hawking. He emphasized that corporal punishment is prohibited under both the Child Rights Act and the Basic Education Act, reinforcing the need for safe learning environments.

The event concluded with renewed pledges from UNICEF, Parliament, and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs to work collaboratively to ensure that every child in Sierra Leone survives, thrives, and reaches their full potential.