Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio at a high-level side-event of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York commenced another promising campaigning calling on United Nations to upgrade UN World Day Resolution to Treaty.
In November, 2022, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio successfully convinced the United Nations General Assembly to pass the Resolution A/77/L.8 to create a brand-new Day by the United Nations whereby November 18 will henceforth be recognised by all countries of the World as a day to mark efforts at preventing sexual exploitation, violence and abuse of children and for healing from such heinous crimes.
At the UNGA in New York last week, Dr. Bio issued a passionate plea for international partners to join forces and approach the United Nations (UN) to transform the November 18 UN World Day for the Prevention of, and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence resolution into a binding treaty or convention.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, who also championed the Resolution at the UN, delivered a compelling keynote address. Her speech resonated with the audience as she emphasised the urgent need for a more comprehensive and legally binding framework to combat child sexual exploitation, abuse and violence.
The first lady’s proposal to elevate this significant global issue from a resolution to a treaty or convention aims to ensure stronger accountability and commitment from nations to prevent and address these heinous crimes against children.
By transforming the resolution into a legally binding instrument, greater enforcement mechanisms can be put in place to protect vulnerable children worldwide.
Similarly, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio in his address at UNGA, reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting crucial reforms concerning women and children’s issues.
This commitment underscored Sierra Leone’s determination to lead the charge in safeguarding the rights and well-being of its most vulnerable citizens.
In recognition of their exceptional contributions, Jennifer Worthman, Chair of Global Collaborative, presented special tribute plaques of appreciation to Sierra Leone, the President of the United Nations, and Nigeria.
These plaques serve as a testament to the remarkable efforts made by these entities in addressing the grave issue of child sexual exploitation, abuse, and violence. The event witnessed an outpouring of goodwill messages from global leaders who expressed their support for the cause.
Among those who delivered messages were the First Lady of Turkiye, the President of Islamic Relief, USA, the Lanzarote Committee Executive Secretary, and the President of World Vision, among others.
Their messages highlighted the urgency of addressing child sexual exploitation, abuse, and violence and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in combating these crimes.
In a show of solidarity, the First Lady of Namibia was also present at the event, demonstrating the collective commitment of African nations to protect children and champion their rights.
The presence of these distinguished leaders further underscored the significance of the occasion and the need for swift action to safeguard the well-being of children worldwide.
Sierra Leone stands firmly at the forefront of this global movement, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of children. Dr. Fatima Maada Bio’s visionary leadership and tireless advocacy mark her as a beacon of hope in the fight against child sexual exploitation, abuse, and violence.
