In a global appeal for World Children’s Day on 20 November 2024, UNICEF calls on decision-makers, parents and the society at large, to listen to children and priorities their rights when formulating policies and programs in the country.

This was said during the commemoration of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child which has lasted for 35 years ago. World Children’s Day is UNICEF’s global day of action for children.

In Freetown, policymakers and advocates were joined by more than 500 children from across the country.

Speaking at the event, UNICEF Representative Rudolf Schwenk thanked the Government of Sierra Leone, partners, parents, and communities for their unwavering commitment to ensuring the well-being of children in the country.

“Children make up nearly half of Sierra Leone’s population and their future is inseparable from the future of this nation. It is crucial that we all listen to the future and stand up for children’s rights by understanding the perspectives of young people and acting to secure their rights and find solutions in the best interest of any child,” said Schwenk.

As part of this year’s campaign, UNICEF has encouraged children to “write letters” about child rights that support their vision for their future. Over 100 responses were poured in from all over Sierra Leone – including from the north, south, east, north-west and west regions of the country.

A key moment was the presentation of letters and poems representing children from the six regions of the country, focusing on critical issues such as Child Rights Act, education, violence against children, and the rights of children with disabilities.

In her letter, 13-year-old Josephine from Moyamba appeals to all adults to “listen to the views of children, respect their rights and uplift their voices.

Let us work together to give an environment where children feel empowered and valued”.

In her letter, 14-year-old Fatmata from Kono said, “I hear heartbreaking stories about children suffering from various forms of violence, some are beaten by their parents or guardians, while others are victims of sexual abuse. There are many children who suffer from neglect of food, shelter and love. Create more safe spaces for children, where we can freely speak about our problems and receive support. And make sure that those who commit violence against children face legal consequences.”

“Every day we see young girls forced into marriage before they are truly ready, which deprives them of their education and robs them of their childhood. This not only diminishes our opportunities for education but also steals away our dreams and aspirations for a better future” said 16-year-old Fatmata from Tombo.

Expressing his vision for children’s rights, 15-year-old Sallu, from Freetown, said in his letter to parliamentarians that he was “Deeply worried about the wellbeing and future of Sierra Leonean children, but has great hope for the successful passage of the child rights bill which holds significant promise for education, health and the protection of children from labour, trafficking and exploitation”.

Kanko, 14-year-old girl from Falaba said “Many schools are struggling to provide basic facilities and resources for their students due to limited budget. This lack of funding has resulted in overcrowded classrooms, outdated textbooks, and insufficient infrastructure, which negatively impacts the learning experience of students. Children with disabilities and special needs should be provided with equal access to quality education.”

In a heart-warming poem that she wrote, Magaret Conteh, a 15-year-old vision impaired girl from Freetown, said “It’s a pity, it’s a pity really, to think children with disability are also children with inability, you don’t know we have the capability, to impact our community, within a time durability, bringing productivity. Do not put us in a place of inferiority, with clarity and reality, I can tell you that we can bring to positivity whatever activity we start our creativity. We have 100% integrity and humility, that is why you cannot bring us down even with your level of disloyalty. It’s your duty to make us feel the beauty of humanity, how tasty not feeling empty is!

The “Listen to the Future” segment symbolizes Sierra Leone’s commitment to children’s voices. Policymakers responded to the children’s concerns by pledging actions to promote child rights and symbolically scoring penalty goals including ending violence, education, hygiene, and human capital development for children.

A special theme song “Listen to the Future”, produced by children’s artists Leonus Di Genius, was also performed at the main event, along with other cultural performances, including children and adolescents with disabilities using sign language.

The event reinforced the call for collective action for children’s rights and served as a vivid reminder of the need for united efforts to create a future where every child can thrive, free from violence and empowered to pursue their dreams for a sustainable planet.