Government Launches Bold Child Protection Drive During Family Day Celebration

Sierra Leone has unveiled a strengthened national push for child protection, using this year’s International Family Day celebration as a platform to rally citizens, government institutions, and civil society around urgent action to safeguard children from abuse, exploitation, and harmful cultural practices.

The initiative, described by officials as a “bold and renewed national commitment,” was launched during a vibrant nationwide commemoration marked by a Family Health Walk in Freetown, bringing together families, students, and senior government officials in a public show of unity and advocacy.

The walk, which began at Aberdeen Roundabout and ended at the SOS Hermann Gmeiner International School, formed part of Day 2 activities commemorating International Family Day—an observance declared by the United Nations in 1993 but marked for the first time in Sierra Leone.

The campaign was spearheaded through a coordinated effort between key ministries, including the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, and the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education.

Officials say the collaboration is aimed at strengthening national systems for child welfare while promoting stronger family structures as the first line of protection for children.

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, and Minister of Social Welfare, Hon. Melrose Karminty, were among senior officials who joined citizens on the walk, reinforcing what government describes as a “whole-of-society approach” to child protection.

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling and signing of a symbolic Commitment Wall, where citizens and leaders publicly pledged to take action against child marriage, domestic violence, and other forms of child abuse.

The gesture was presented as both symbolic and practical, reflecting renewed political and public resolve to move from awareness to enforcement and community accountability.

Officials emphasized that ending child marriage and reducing domestic violence remain central priorities within the broader child protection agenda.

Addressing participants at the conclusion of the walk, Minister Chernor Bah urged Sierra Leoneans to take a more active role in shaping the values of their children, stressing that strong families are essential for national progress.

He called for “intentional parenting,” noting that children must be raised in environments that promote respect, especially toward women and girls.

Reaffirming his personal stance as a feminist, the Minister said he is committed to raising his sons to respect women, describing this as part of a broader cultural shift needed to reduce gender-based violence in society.

He further encouraged citizens to be more present in their homes, warning that neglecting family responsibilities weakens both communities and national development outcomes.

Government officials collectively framed the celebration as more than a symbolic event, describing families as the “first institution of society” and a critical driver of national cohesion, social stability, and economic progress.

They stressed that child protection cannot rest on government alone, but requires active participation from parents, teachers, religious leaders, and communities.

The launch of the child protection drive during International Family Day is expected to set the tone for expanded awareness campaigns and policy actions in the coming months, particularly around child rights enforcement and family support systems.