Defence for Children International-Sierra Leone (Makeni) is the independent, self-funding Sierra Leone chapter of the DCI. DCI-SL advocates and monitors the proper implementation of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child in Sierra Leone. DCI is a global movement for children that was founded in July, 1979, the International Year
of the Child. It was created as a response to the UN plea calling to remedy the lack of international bodies that advocate for the rights of children. The first important achievement was its participation in the drafting of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Type of Work:
The main thrust of the DCI-SL's work is to provide psychosocial and legal support to children in conflict with the law, child victims of human rights violations and other abuses as well as children at risk of coming in conflict or contact with the law (e.g. street children, girl s*x workers and out of school children). Size/scale:
DCI-SL is currently working in Western Area and five districts with a staff of 35 who come from different backgrounds such as development, law and social work. Projects:
- Juvenile justice
- Violence against children particularly s*xual gender based violence
- Access to education for out of school children
- Socio-economic empowerment of vulnerable children and their families
- Child labour and trafficking
