HRCSL Concludes Engagement with over 40 representatives from MDAs and CSOs in the East and Southern region Over UPR Process

By Fatmata Bundu (232news)

The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL), has with support from the United Nations Development Programme, concluded engagement with over 40 representatives from MDAs and CSOs in the East and Southern region of the country on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process.  

The thrust of the engagement in Kenema and Bo on the 2nd and 3rd September 2025, was to gather evidence-based information /data on the status of implementation of the third cycle UPR recommendations.

Facilitated by its Directorate of Treaty Body Reporting and International Mechanisms, the engagement forms part of HRCSL’s efforts to compile its alternative report in accordance with Resolution 16/21 and Decision 17/119 of the UN Human Rights Council. The Commission’s report, like other stakeholders’ reports, is used to present critical issues and help to verify the content of the State’s report.

In his remarks, Commissioner Hassan Samba Yarjah said “This consultation provides us a critical chance to candidly and honestly reflect on our collective progress since 2021, to highlight our achievements, and, more importantly, to identify the gaps, challenges, and best practices that shape our human rights environment. He added that there’s no human rights stronger than the protection of life and properties.

Abu Bakarr Kamara, Executive Director, Hope for the Blind who doubles as the Coordinator for the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI), said the engagement has empowered him and by extension the disable community to monitor the implementation of the 2021 UPR recommendations.

He, however, registered his frustration on the fact that the government has, over the years, enacted several laws that seem to protect vulnerable groups, but according to him, implementation has always been a problem.

Dauda Bangura, Kono District Human Rights Secretary General, said “This engagement will help us to know where are as a country in the implementation of the UPR recommendations and what we can do as CSOs to get the government to implement the remaining recommendations.”