Freetown: The Minister of Gender and Children's Affairs welcomed newly appointed UNICEF Country Representative Mariko Kagoshima, reaffirming the long-standing government-UNICEF partnership and shared commitment to child welfare.

According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the Minister congratulated Kagoshima on her appointment and expressed confidence in her leadership, saying the ministry remained committed to working closely with UNICEF to advance the rights, welfare, and protection of children across Sierra Leone.

She praised UNICEF's sustained support for government efforts, particularly in child welfare, stronger child protection systems, and programmes aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable children and families nationwide. The minister said the ministry values UNICEF as a key development partner and looks forward to broader cooperation in priority areas under the national child protection agenda.

Kagoshima thanked the minister for the warm reception and commended the ministry's continued commitment to safeguarding children's rights and well-being. She also praised the minister's leadership and reaffirmed UNICEF's support for sustainable interventions that help ensure every child is protected, educated, and healthy, with the opportunity to reach full potential.

Kagoshima said UNICEF was ready to deepen cooperation with the ministry in addressing emerging challenges affecting children, while supporting national efforts to strengthen policies, systems, and services that promote children's rights and development.

The meeting ended with both sides reaffirming their commitment to closer collaboration on child protection and children's rights, to build a safer, more inclusive, and more equitable future for children in Sierra Leone.