A recent Commonwealth workshop has bolstered the ability of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone to better apply human rights principles in protecting fundamental freedoms across the country.
Held in Freetown from 24 to 26 March 2025, the workshop brought together 45 staff from the Human Rights Commission and representatives of district human rights committees who work closely with the statutory body.
The sessions gave participants a stronger understanding of how human rights are linked with the Sustainable Development Goals and how the Commission engages with the United Nations human rights mechanisms, including the Universal Periodic Review.
Through interactive sessions, participants explored practical approaches to enhance the Commission’s work on advancing the rights of vulnerable groups, including women and girls, persons with disabilities, migrants, and people affected by trafficking, climate change and business operations.
‘A pivotal time’
Speaking at the workshop, the Commission’s Chairperson Patricia Narsu Ndanema said:
“This workshop comes at a pivotal time as we navigate the complexities of emerging human rights issues.
“The deliberations we are all going to have during the workshop will be fruitful ones geared towards improving on our capacities to effectively deliver on our mandate and address potential human rights issues we might be faced with.”
To extend the workshop’s reach, participants committed to sharing what they learned with their organisations, communities and networks.
‘An eye opener’
Doris Fatima Webber, a member of the Western Rural District Human Rights Committee, described the workshop as “an eye opener” and said she would use her weekly radio programme to disseminate information learned to her community.
Video credit: Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone
Brima Kelson Sesay, Director of Treaty Body Reporting and International Mechanisms at the Commission, said he valued learning more about the different models of disability: charity, medical and social.
He said: “That is going to help me a lot, so that when I’m writing reports, I know how to properly approach disability-related rights issues.”
Doris Fillie-Faboe, Director of Complaints, Investigations, and Legal Services at the Commission, added that while she had a strong foundation in human rights, the training offered fresh insight on issues such as climate change, migration, and the rights of vulnerable groups.
She said: “This knowledge will help me serve the public more effectively and ensure that rights are protected.”
Following the workshop, the Secretariat facilitated a dialogue to strengthen cooperation between members of Sierra Leone’s Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and staff of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone.
During this dialogue, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a culture of respect for human rights in Sierra Leone.
Media contact
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Snober Abbasi, Senior Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
