UNICEF Urges More Child Protection Funding
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for increased government investment in child protection ahead of Sierra Leone’s 2027 National Budget, citing critically low funding levels relative to the nation's needs.
During a parliamentary engagement organised in collaboration with the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) in Freetown, UNICEF Country Representative Mariko Kagoshima revealed that child protection receives an annual allocation of approximately US$0.66 per child. She noted that children comprise about 41 percent of the country's population, with two in three deprived of at least one basic need, while debt servicing claims nearly 29 percent of government expenditure.
Kagoshima urged lawmakers to prioritise funding for education, healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, and child protection during 2027 budget preparations, alongside strengthening parliamentary oversight. Representing the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Director Daniel Gbao supported the call, noting that child protection funding remains below one percent and advocating for an increase to over three percent.
Chairman of Parliament's Finance Committee, Hon. Keikura Christopher Vandy, reaffirmed Parliament's commitment to resource oversight despite limited fiscal space and revenue shortfalls. Parliamentary Budget Office Director Ibrahim Jimissa also emphasized the importance of placing children at the centre of national budgetary planning.
UNICEF reiterated its dedication to supporting Parliament through technical assistance and evidence-based research to enhance child-focused public spending.
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