HRDN-SL conducted a joint monitoring visit to our regional offices in the Kenema, Moyamba, and Bombali districts respectively, alongside representatives from the Embassy of Ireland from the 18 to 21 May, 2026.

During the visit, the team engaged with direct and indirect project participants through FGDs and meetings to discuss the progress, challenges and opportunities of the project. The field visit targeted district-based Human Rights Defenders, Local Councils, the Secretariat Staff, Seciruty Sector Experts, Volunteers, Young Graduates Local Stakeholders, etc.

The visit was conducted to determine how the project has been implemented as detailed in the work plan and the result framework alongside the activity indicators. This visit gathered information about progress made/results achieved, challenges and document key lessons learnt to inform recommendations and to assess the following:-

1. To assess how the project has contributed to strengthening the capacity,safety and security of HRDs.

2. To Identify how the project has contributed to improved human rights awareness.

3. Discuss the role of Local Councils in human rights promotion and protection.

4. Identify emerging human rights challenges and issues, including the operating environment for HRDs.

5. To physically visit regional offices of the network and discuss capacity support and challenges.

This joint visit was conducted in line with the project, “Building Resilience, Inclusiveness and Capacity of Human Rights Defenders (BRIC) in Sierra Leone” a project presently being implemented by the Network with support from The Irish Embassy. The project strengthens the resilience of HRDs, enhances the capacity of district-based networks, improve inclusion and human rights education, and with the following objectives:

1. Improved operating environment for Human Rights Defenders
2. Increased human rights awareness, accountability and coordination
3. Increased participation of stakeholders (HRDs, youths, local councils, chiefdom authorities, security, etc.) in human rights.

HRDN SL remain deeply grateful for the generous support of Ireland, whose partnership continues to make this important work possible. Together, we are advancing a stronger culture of human rights, accountability, and civic engagement in Sierra Leone.