HRCSL Commemorates World Children’s Day
By HRCSL Communications Team
On Thursday 20th November 2024, the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) through its Directorate of Gender and Children’s Affairs (HRCSL) held an interactive session with pupils in selected secondary schools in Waterloo, Western Rural District in commemoration of World Children’s Day on the theme “My Day, My Rights.”
The one-day engagement at the Lumpa Community Hall in Waterloo focused on child rights and sexual and gender-based violence reporting mechanisms and created the platform for children to interact directly with institutions mandated to protect their rights by asking the right questions on how to seek help and protection.
The children were put into groups, where representatvies from the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Legal Aid Board and the Family Support Unit of the Sierra Leone Police explain in detailed their functions and what they have been doing to provide a safe space for children.
The pupils acknowledged that they gained valuable knowledge during the session that has impacted and empower them to engage their peers in schools and their communities, especially to know their rights and responsibilities and on mechanisms to report SGBV cases.
Dr. Prince Masuba, District Medical Officer, Western Rural District, explains briefly the role they are playing in hospitals when alleged sexual abuse cases are brought to them for examinations.
He stated that they normally conduct both physical and laboratory tests to ascertain whether the victim is sexually abused, adding, “We offer free medical care to victims of sexual and gender-based violence.”
Chairperson of HRCSL, Mrs. Patricia Narsu Ndanema spoke about the national laws and international instruments put in place to protect the rights of children, including the Child Rights Act and the International Convention on the Rights of the Child.
She encouraged the pupils to always be conscious of their rights and responsibilities and seek help whenever their rights are violated to institutions mandated to protect their rights like the HRCSL, Family Support Unit and the Legal Aid Board.
