Ministry of Social Welfare Government of Sierra Leone

𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐒𝐏 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐔𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐖 𝟏𝟐-𝟎𝟔-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐲 - 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞 presented the country's official report to the United Nations Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ( ), announcing the construction of a specially built village for 60 households headed by persons with disabilities.

Mrs. Karminty confirmed that two skills training centres have also been refurbished and equipped for persons with disabilities with support from the UN Indian Fund.

In her presentation of the country report, the Minister reaffirmed the Persons with Disability Act of 2011 as the cornerstone of disability rights protection in Sierra Leone. She stated that the Act prohibits discrimination and promotes equal opportunities in , , , , political participation, sports, and community life. She also noted that the Act led to the creation of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, which coordinates and advocates for the rights of persons with disabilities across the country.

The Minister expressed appreciation for the support of the Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Fund, which has helped strengthen institutional capacity, improve coordination among stakeholders, and increase meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in governance and public policy.

Recognising that poverty disproportionately affects persons with disabilities, Mrs. Karminty reported that the Government has strengthened disability-inclusive social protection systems. She highlighted that cash transfer programmes supported by the World Bank continue to assist vulnerable households, including those headed by or containing persons with disabilities.

On regional cooperation, the Minister announced that Sierra Leone is working closely with Ecowas - Cedeao to develop a Disability Accountability Framework aimed at harmonising disability rights monitoring across West Africa. She explained that the Framework is expected to improve data collection, strengthen accountability, support evidence-based policymaking, and facilitate sharing of best practices.

To address the long-standing challenge of limited reliable data, Mrs. Karminty revealed that Sierra Leone is collaborating with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine to develop a Disability Management Information System. Once operational, she said, this centralised platform will collect and analyse disability-related data across sectors, ensuring persons with disabilities are accurately represented in national statistics and development planning.

The Minister acknowledged that challenges remain, including accessibility barriers, gaps in employment opportunities, limited resources for disability-inclusive programming, and the need for continued public awareness and attitudinal change.

She called on the international community, development partners, regional organisations, and fellow States Parties to deepen collaboration and increase investment in disability-inclusive development.

Mrs. Karminty closed the country report by reaffirming Sierra Leone's commitment to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to the principle of "Nothing About Us Without Us," pledging to build an inclusive society where every person with a disability can live with dignity, participate fully, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭
📞 +𝟐𝟑𝟐 𝟕𝟐 𝟓𝟑𝟕 𝟎𝟑𝟓 | 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦.𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫.𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐰@𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐜.𝐠𝐨𝐯.𝐬𝐥

𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞'𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐭 𝐔𝐍, 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧.

𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐖 𝟏𝟐-𝟎𝟔-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐲 - 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞, has told the United Nations that does not diminish capability, as she announced a major review of the country's disability law and called for real action on jobs and livelihoods.

Speaking at a side event on "Employment and Livelihood for Persons with Disabilities in " held during the disability rights conference at Headquarters in , Minister Karminty said that employment and livelihood are not just economic issues. They are the foundation of independent living and true social inclusion.

When people with disabilities have access to decent work, she explained, they can offer their talents, support their families, and take part fully in both economic and community life. She made it clear that inclusive employment is not only a human rights issue but also an economic necessity.

She noted that across many parts of the world, persons with disabilities still face barriers that block their path to education, skills training, financial services, business opportunities, and jobs. These barriers, she said, are a major driver of poverty and exclusion.

"We recognize that disability does not diminish capability," the Minister said. "Persons with disabilities are productive citizens whose contributions are essential to national development. Our responsibility as a Government is to create an enabling environment where those contributions can flourish."

On a positive note, she announced that Sierra Leone is currently reviewing its Persons with Disabilities Act of 2011. The updated legislation will strengthen protections in employment, economic empowerment, accessibility, political participation, and inclusive budgeting.

Minister Karminty also highlighted practical work already underway through her Ministry and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. She pointed to vocational training, livelihood support, community-based empowerment programs, and advocacy efforts, all aimed at building resilience, fostering independence, and improving lives.

She lamented that unemployment, discrimination, workplaces that remain inaccessible, and very limited access to financial resources are still harsh realities for many. These challenges, she said, will demand creative solutions, stronger partnerships, and steady investment.

She warned that when societies shut persons with disabilities out of employment and livelihoods, they lose valuable talent, creativity, and productivity.

The Minister called for a united effort bringing together governments, development partners, the private sector, financial institutions, and organizations of persons with disabilities. She urged them to invest in skills development, accessible workplaces, entrepreneurship support, digital inclusion, assistive technologies, and stronger social protection systems.

The Minister stressed that persons with disabilities must be active participants, not just spectators in the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of every policy and program that affects their lives.

"This side event is not merely about jobs," the Minister continued. "It is about dignity. It is about opportunity. It is about ensuring that persons with disabilities are empowered to live independently and contribute meaningfully to their communities and nations."

She concluded by reaffirming her Government's commitment to building a Sierra Leone where no person is left behind, and where every person with disability has a fair chance to reach their full potential.

#𝐂𝐎𝐒𝐏𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭
📞 +𝟐𝟑𝟐 𝟕𝟐 𝟓𝟑𝟕 𝟎𝟑𝟓 | 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦.𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫.𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐰@𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐜.𝐠𝐨𝐯.𝐬𝐥

𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐖, 𝐄𝐂𝐒𝐋, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟖 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞, 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 – 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The Ministry of Social Welfare (MOSW), in collaboration with the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) and the Commission for Persons with Disability, held a landmark meeting to discuss greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in Sierra Leone’s electoral and governance processes.

Welcoming the ECSL delegation, Minister of Social Welfare Mrs. Melrose Karminty highlighted the Ministry’s mandate to support vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, trafficking victims, returning migrants, and individuals affected by drug and substance abuse. She noted that the Ministry now oversees three key agencies: the Commission for Persons with Disability, the Anti-Human Trafficking Agency, and the newly approved Social Work Regulatory Council.

The Minister praised the visit as an important step toward strengthening collaboration on disability inclusion before, during, and after elections. She emphasized that Sierra Leone has made significant progress in disability rights through legislation, government policies, and programmes, and stressed the need to mainstream disability issues across all aspects of governance and electioneering.

Mrs. Karminty commended the ECSL leadership for its commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the democratic process and expressed confidence that the concerns of persons with disabilities would remain a priority in the Commission’s work.

Speaking at the event, ECSL Chairman and Chief Electoral Commissioner Edmond S. Alpha described the meeting as historic, noting that while the Commission has worked with disability stakeholders for more than 15 years, this was the first engagement of its kind. He highlighted the Commission's progress from establishing a disability desk to creating a full Department of Inclusion and reaffirmed the ECSL's commitment to deepening its partnership with the Ministry of Social Welfare and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.

Mr. Alpha pledged to strengthen the recruitment, training, and participation of persons with disabilities in electoral activities and to ensure their representation at both national and international electoral forums. Chairman Alpha also unveiled a series of commitments aimed at making the 2028 elections more accessible and inclusive. These include conducting accessibility audits of polling stations, improving voting facilities with ramps and accessible booths, expanding assistive voting tools such as tactile ballot guides and Braille materials, and ensuring voter education campaigns are available in accessible formats.

He announced mandatory disability-awareness training for election officials, greater involvement of persons with disabilities as trainers and election workers, and the establishment of a rapid-response mechanism to address accessibility challenges on election day. Emphasizing that voting is a fundamental right, not a privilege, he called for accountability and collaboration, promising that the ECSL would work closely with disability stakeholders to ensure that every citizen can participate in elections freely, independently, and with dignity.

In conclusion, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD), Commissioner Brima Sheriff, presented a position paper on behalf of the Commission to the Chairman and Chief Electoral Commissioner.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭
📞 +𝟐𝟑𝟐 𝟕𝟐 𝟓𝟑𝟕 𝟎𝟑𝟓 | 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦.𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫.𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐰@𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐜.𝐠𝐨𝐯.𝐬𝐥

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐂 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐌𝐎𝐔

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥e - 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟑𝐫𝐝, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is aimed at strengthening collaboration in delivering social protection and welfare services to vulnerable populations across Sierra Leone.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs. Melrose Karminty, described the partnership as a significant milestone in advancing support for disadvantaged communities and promoting social inclusion nationwide.

She emphasised that no single institution can effectively address the growing social challenges confronting the country, stressing that collaboration among service delivery institutions is essential to achieving sustainable impact.

The Minister highlighted the Ministry’s broad mandate, which includes supporting children, youth, persons with disabilities, older persons, migrants, deportees, trafficking survivors, and families facing difficult circumstances through its various directorates and affiliated agencies. She noted that the Ministry’s mission closely aligns with BRAC International’s commitment to poverty reduction, social justice, and the empowerment of marginalised groups.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by increasing poverty and limited resources, Mrs. Karminty underscored the importance of partnerships with organisations such as BRAC International in expanding access to critical services and improving the well-being of vulnerable citizens. She further stated that the MOU will provide a framework for enhanced cooperation, joint interventions, and coordinated efforts to promote dignity, resilience, and sustainable community development.

In his remarks, BRAC International Country Director, Mr. Adolphus Doe, commended the Ministry of Social Welfare for its leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of disadvantaged communities throughout Sierra Leone. He noted that the partnership reflects a shared vision of fostering inclusion, strengthening resilience, and creating lasting opportunities for vulnerable populations.

Mr. Doe further observed that the signing of the MOU comes at a time when Sierra Leone continues to gain international recognition for its dedication to social progress and humanitarian advancement. He referenced the recent participation of Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio at the prestigious HEROES Awards 2026 in Banjul, The Gambia, an event that celebrates exceptional leadership, service, and achievements driving positive transformation across Africa.

According to Mr. Doe, the First Lady’s presence at the continental gathering highlights Sierra Leone’s growing influence and commitment to championing causes that uplift communities and promote human development. He also acknowledged the warm reception accorded to Her Excellency upon her arrival in The Gambia, describing it as a reflection of the strong bonds of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity that continue to unite African nations in their pursuit of shared progress and development.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭
📞 +𝟐𝟑𝟐 𝟕𝟐 𝟓𝟑𝟕 𝟎𝟑𝟓 | 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦.𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫.𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐰@𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐜.𝐠𝐨𝐯.𝐬𝐥

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐓𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐃𝐀𝐬, 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐍 – 𝟏𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The Ministry of Social Welfare, together with other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), celebrated the International Family Day Conference 2026 on 18th May at the Miatta Conference Civic Center, under the theme: "Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing." The central message of the event was clear: A stronger nation starts with strong families.

In her welcome address, the Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs. Melrose Karminty, emphasized that strong families are the foundation of a stable and progressive nation. She warned that the breakdown of family values, communication, and relationships contributes to growing social problems such as violence, drug abuse, and juvenile crime. The Minister noted that while attention is often focused separately on women and children, insufficient emphasis has been placed on strengthening both nuclear and extended families as a whole. She stressed that children’s behavior and values are shaped largely at home, and that exposure to violence, abusive language, and conflict within families often affects their conduct in schools and society. She called for renewed efforts from government institutions, civil society groups, NGOs, international partners, and communities to work together in restoring respect, unity, and healthy family relationships to support national development and human capital growth.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sierra Leone praised the Government of Sierra Leone, particularly the Ministry of Social Welfare and its partner MDAs, for organizing the national observance focused on the importance of families in building peaceful, resilient, and prosperous societies. She noted that while challenges such as poverty, inequality, domestic violence, unemployment, and economic pressures persist, Sierra Leonean families have remained resilient through the civil war, the Ebola epidemic, and ongoing global hardships. She reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting family-centered policies through investments in healthcare, education, child protection, gender equality, and youth empowerment.

The Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, Dr. Moinina David Sengeh, stressed the government’s commitment to strengthening families, improving child welfare, and advancing human capital development. He highlighted initiatives such as the Free Quality School Education programme, stronger child rights laws, expanded legal aid, and increased mental health and parenting support. He strongly criticized corporal punishment and urged society to distinguish poverty-related struggles from indiscipline. Sengeh also pointed to progress in reducing maternal and child mortality, increasing school enrollment, and expanding access to higher education, and called on all stakeholders, including MDAs to work together to protect and empower children.

Delivering the keynote address, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, stressed that families remain the foundation of society and the primary source of values, discipline, and responsibility for children. Reflecting on the country’s resilience through the civil war, Ebola, COVID-19, and the global economic crisis, she praised families for remaining united and supportive. The First Lady commended the government of President Julius Maada Bio for prioritizing human capital development, describing the Free Quality Education Programme as a landmark achievement that expands access for vulnerable children, especially girls, while helping to reduce poverty and inequality. Calling for collective action from parents, teachers, religious leaders, the private sector, and development partners, she expressed confidence that Sierra Leone is moving toward a more inclusive and prosperous future built on education, healthcare, social justice, and national unity.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭
📞 +𝟐𝟑𝟐 𝟕𝟐 𝟓𝟑𝟕 𝟎𝟑𝟓 | 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦.𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫.𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐰@𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐜.𝐠𝐨𝐯.𝐬𝐥

‼️ 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐨𝐰‼️

The Ministry of Social Welfare Government of Sierra Leone celebrates with a Grand Celebration at the Miatta Conference Civic Center. The Theme: "Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing."

A stronger nation starts with strong families.

𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐲 - 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞

,*"Strong Families, Strong Commmunities better Sierra Leone" A national call from the Minister of Social Welfare.*

Aberdeen Roundabout to
SOS School Compound.
16th May, 2026

Ministry of Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, and other line ministries and partners, gather families in Freetown in a Family Health Walk ahead of the first ever International Family Day Confrence in Sierra Leone.
For the first time since the United Nations declared the observance in 1993, the country officially commemorated the day with a remarkable display of unity and public participation.

Families from across Freetown gathered in large numbers for a Family Health Walk from Aberdeen Roundabout to the SOS Hermann Gmeiner International School, creating an atmosphere filled with joy, reflection, and togetherness. The event highlighted the importance of strengthening family bonds, encouraging healthier communities, and promoting meaningful conversations within homes across the nation.

Leading the walk were the Honourable Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs Melrose Karminty, alongside cabinet ministers and government officials who walked shoulder-to-shoulder with citizens in support of family cohesion, child wellbeing, and social harmony. At the close of the event, participants signed a symbolic Commitment Wall, pledging to take personal action against child marriage, domestic violence, and other harmful practices affecting children and families.

Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone and His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio, the Honourable Minister thanked citizens for their overwhelming participation and emphasised the importance of intentional parenting and active family engagement. Reaffirming her commitment as a proud mother raising her son to respect women, she called on every Sierra Leonean to nurture strong households, protect children, and uphold family values, stressing that a stronger nation begins at home.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭
📞 +𝟐𝟑𝟐 𝟕𝟐 𝟓𝟑𝟕 𝟎𝟑𝟓 | 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦.𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫.𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐰@𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐜.𝐠𝐨𝐯.𝐬𝐥

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭er of 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐑evail ongoing plans to commemorate International Day for 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲, for the first time 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞.

At the weekly press conference organised by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, the Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs Melrose Karminty, delivered a passionate briefing on the state of the family in Sierra Leone, describing the family as the foundation upon which every society is built.

She emphasised that every social challenge confronting the nation today, including teenage pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, gender-based violence, substance abuse, and the growing number of children living on the streets, can all be traced back to weaknesses within the family structure. According to the Minister, families remain the first schools of values, discipline, and social responsibility, noting that communities, institutions, and ultimately the nation itself are reflections of what is nurtured at home.

She stressed that the government alone cannot solve these problems unless parents and guardians also accept their responsibilities in raising children with care, guidance, and moral direction. The Honourable Minister further lamented the gradual breakdown of traditional family values, recalling that in the past, communities collectively participated in raising children, whereas today many families have become disconnected and fragmented.
The
Honourable Minister also highlighted the activities lined up to commemorate the International Day of Families, which was established by the United Nations in 1993 to promote awareness of issues affecting families worldwide. She explained that the Ministry, in partnership with stakeholders and the media, would use the occasion to deepen national conversations around positive parenting, child protection, family bonding, and social counselling.

Among the planned activities are a family health walk from Aberdeen Roundabout to SOS Village, media engagements, community discussions, and a national conference bringing together institutions such as the Family Support Unit, legal aid organisations, teachers, parents, and children themselves to discuss solutions to the country’s socia challenges.

Mrs Karminty noted that the rise in drug abuse, particularly the kush crisis among young people, demonstrates the urgent need for stronger parental involvement and communication within homes. She called on families, communities, and development partners to work together in rebuilding the moral and social fabric of society, insisting that strengthening the family unit is essential to achieving national development and securing a better future for Sierra Leone’s children and youth.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭
📞 +𝟐𝟑𝟐 𝟕𝟐 𝟓𝟑𝟕 𝟎𝟑𝟓 | 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦.𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫.𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐰@𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐜.𝐠𝐨𝐯.𝐬𝐥

*Newly appointed Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Sierra Leone, Pays a courtesy call on Minister of Social Welfare*

New England Ville
7th May, 2026.

The purpose of the visit is to familiarize with the Ministry’s responsinilities and to reaffirm the strong bilateral ties between the two countries.

Speaking during the meeting, ambassador Saud AL Musaed
outlined several areas of cooperation. He said he had recently participated in the farewell ceremony for Sierra Leonean pilgrims heading for Hajj,
where he delivered a statement highlighting the importance of religious and cultural relations between the two nations.

He further announced that the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia has opened applications for international students through the “Study in Saudi” platform, offering Sierra Leonean students opportunities to pursue university education in various disciplines.

Additionally, he disclosed that Sierra Leonean participants had been invited to take part in a Holy Quran memorization competition organized by the Saudi Ministry of Defense, while reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to deepening cooperation and strengthening relations with Sierra Leone across all sectors.

The Minister of Social Welfarel Mrs Melrose Kaminty, expressed gratitude to the people of Saudi Arabia for their continued support, particularly towards Sierra Leonean pilgrims performing the Hajj, describing the relationship between the two countries as strong and enduring. During the meeting, she outlined the ministry’s broad responsibilities, including religious affairs, the protection of vulnerable women and children, youth welfare, disability support, anti-human trafficking efforts, and assistance for returning migrants.
growing crisis of drug and substance abuse among young people, Rehabilitation centers, psychosocial counseling, medical treatment.

She also announced plans to commemorate the International Day of Families through a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at strengthening family unity and social cohesion. Activities will include a family health walk, counseling and wellness programs,

In addition, she raised concerns about increasing religious tensions fueled by social media, warning that inflammatory statements threaten Sierra Leone’s long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians. The government, together with religious leaders, she Said, has signed a communiqué promoting religious tolerance and is now developing a national policy on cohesion and interfaith harmony.

Mrs Karminty stressed that Sierra Leone should continue to be recognized internationally for its religious tolerance and unity rather than division and extremism

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭
📞 +𝟐𝟑𝟐 𝟕𝟐 𝟓𝟑𝟕 𝟎𝟑𝟓 | 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦.𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫.𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐰@𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐜.𝐠𝐨𝐯.𝐬𝐥

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞 Engaged Family Support Unit (FSU) On a 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬

Ahead of the International Day of Families, observed under the theme Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing, the Ministry of Social Welfare convened a strategic meeting with Heads of Family Support Units (FSUs) from across the country. The meeting provided a platform to examine the growing social challenges affecting children and families, while reinforcing the need for shared responsibility in addressing them. It highlighted the urgency of strengthening family-centred approaches as a foundation for tackling inequality and improving child wellbeing nationwide.

Addressing the gathering, Honourable Minister of Social Welfare, Mrs Melrose Karminty, emphasised that many social challenges—ranging from child neglect and abuse to the increasing number of street children and early marriages—are largely rooted within family structures. She urged stakeholders to move beyond policy discussions and focus on addressing the realities within homes where children are shaped. Honourable Minister called for a proactive and unified approach, stressing that families must be active participants, not just beneficiaries, in raising responsible and protected children, while cautioning that ignoring root causes would only worsen the situation over time.

Contributing to the discussion, the Head of FSU, Superintendent Mohamed S.Y. Mansaray described the initiative as a timely opportunity to strengthen national commitment to family welfare, noting that the issue of street children is complex but deeply tied to family circumstances. The role of FSUs was highlighted as evolving beyond domestic violence to a broader mandate of family protection, aligned with global efforts that recognise the influence of schools, religious institutions, and community leaders. With renewed resolve, FSUs pledged closer collaboration with the Ministry and stakeholders to enhance outreach, strengthen enforcement, and develop practical strategies aimed at safeguarding children and empowering families to fulfil their critical role in society.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭:
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭
📞 +𝟐𝟑𝟐 𝟕𝟐 𝟓𝟑𝟕 𝟎𝟑𝟓 | 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦.𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫.𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐰@𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐜.𝐠𝐨𝐯.𝐬𝐥