ECOWAS Court of Justice President and delegation pay a courtesy call on the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone
The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) held a significant engagement with a delegation from the ECOWAS Court of Justice, led by its President, Hon. Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves. The meeting, held at the headquarters of the Commission, Tower Hill, Freetown, focused on establishing partnership and mutual cooperation between the two institutions in relation to the operations of the Court and the execution of its judgments on one hand, and the work of the Commission on the other.
The Vice Chairperson, Victor Idrissa Lansana Esq., who led the discussions on behalf of the Commission started by noting that the Commission and the Court have a similar mandate to protect and promote human rights as a quasi-judicial body and a full-blown judicial body respectively. He emphasised the Commission’s desire in becoming a key player in supporting the Court’s human rights work, especially when it involves matters relating to Sierra Leone.
Speaking on behalf of his President and the delegation, the Vice President of the Court, Honourable Justice Sengu Koroma expressed great delight in meeting with the Commission and emphasized that the Court is committed to the delivery of justice and the protection of human rights.
Mr. Apraku Nketiah, Head of Legal Services and Research provided insight into the Court’s evolution from settling inter-state disputes to incorporating human rights jurisdiction. He explained the importance of collaboration with national institutions like HRCSL in ensuring effective advocacy, sensitisation, enforcement of judgments and representation. Mr. Nketiah highlighted that once judgments are delivered, enforcement lies within the jurisdiction of the concerned member states and not the Court, making partnerships with national institutions crucial. He agreed that judgments are meant to be executed save for those that are declaratory in nature and therefore stressed the need for support from national bodies to ensure compliance and promote human rights across the region.
The President of the Court explained that the challenge in the execution of judgments borders on the courage or lack thereof States to comply with the orders of the Court. On the work of the Commission, the President was keen in understanding the relationship between the Commission and central government and approvals of budgetary allocation to the Commission.
Both institutions committed to strengthened partnership and collaboration for the good of human rights protection and promotion in the sub region.
©️HRCSL Communications Team
