Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone Hosts Meeting with International Human Rights Delegates

Freetown, Sierra Leone — 2018

In a significant step toward reinforcing human rights advocacy and solidarity, the Human Rights Defenders Network (HRDN) Sierra Leone hosted a crucial meeting with a delegation of international human rights advocates. The gathering, which took place at the HRDN headquarters in Freetown, provided a platform for meaningful dialogue on the state of human rights in Sierra Leone and explored strategies for strengthening the nation’s commitment to human rights protections.

Context and Purpose of the Meeting

The meeting was convened in response to the ongoing challenges faced by human rights defenders in Sierra Leone. Despite progress in the post-conflict period, the country continues to grapple with issues related to freedom of expression, gender-based violence, police brutality, and the need for greater transparency in governance. This meeting aimed to foster an open discussion between local human rights defenders and their international counterparts to both share experiences and strategize ways to ensure that Sierra Leone’s human rights obligations are met.

The HRDN Sierra Leone, a leading voice in the country’s human rights landscape, coordinated the event to raise awareness of the challenges faced by local defenders and advocate for greater international support in addressing human rights violations.

Key Themes of the Meeting

The discussions were framed around several key themes that are crucial to the human rights situation in Sierra Leone:

1. Freedom of Expression and Civic Space
   One of the primary concerns addressed was the shrinking civic space in Sierra Leone. Participants discussed the various challenges faced by human rights defenders, journalists, and activists, including threats of violence, harassment, and intimidation. Several delegates expressed concerns about the increasing incidents of verbal and physical attacks on human rights defenders, emphasizing the need for a stronger legal framework to protect them.
2. Gender-Based Violence and Women’s Rights
   Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a serious concern, especially given Sierra Leone’s recent history of civil conflict. Delegates heard testimonies from local organizations and survivors of GBV who shared their struggles in seeking justice. Discussions focused on the importance of improving access to legal services, sensitizing law enforcement on gender issues, and creating safe spaces for women and girls.
3. Police Brutality and Accountability
   Another significant issue raised was the persistent problem of police brutality. Human rights defenders highlighted a pattern of excessive force and mistreatment by security personnel, particularly in poor communities. The delegation called for better training of law enforcement personnel, the establishment of independent oversight mechanisms, and more robust legal accountability for perpetrators of abuses.
4. Access to Justice and Legal Reform
   Access to justice was identified as a critical area requiring attention, with many participants underscoring the challenges faced by vulnerable populations—particularly women, children, and persons with disabilities—in accessing legal protection and representation. Calls were made for the government to fast-track legal reforms that would make the justice system more inclusive and accessible to all citizens, especially marginalized groups.

International Cooperation and Solidarity

The visiting international delegates, representing various human rights organizations and governments, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s human rights agenda. Their presence underscored the importance of solidarity between Sierra Leonean human rights defenders and the global community. Delegates expressed their support for HRDN’s ongoing advocacy work and pledged to increase their engagement, both through direct support and by amplifying Sierra Leone’s human rights concerns on the international stage.

One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the need for stronger partnerships between local actors and international human rights bodies. By working together, these groups can advocate more effectively for policy change, greater accountability, and the empowerment of Sierra Leone’s civil society.

Moving Forward: Calls to Action

At the close of the meeting, participants issued a series of urgent calls to action:

1. Strengthening Legal Protections for Human Rights Defenders
   There was a consensus on the need for Sierra Leone to adopt and enforce stronger laws protecting human rights defenders from harassment, violence, and intimidation. This includes ensuring that the right to peaceful assembly, free expression, and participation in civic activities are upheld.
2. Ending Gender-Based Violence and Promoting Women’s Rights
   Delegates urged the Sierra Leonean government to fully implement the existing legal frameworks aimed at protecting women and girls, particularly the Sexual Offenses Act. They also called for comprehensive programs that provide survivors of GBV with support services, including counseling, legal aid, and economic empowerment.
3. Accountability and Reform in Law Enforcement
   The delegation recommended the establishment of independent oversight bodies to investigate and prosecute cases of police brutality. Moreover, they advocated for police training that emphasizes human rights principles and the need for law enforcement to serve and protect all citizens equitably.
4. Increased International Support and Advocacy
   The international community was urged to continue providing technical assistance and resources to strengthen Sierra Leone’s human rights infrastructure. International actors were also encouraged to actively highlight Sierra Leone’s progress and setbacks in various global forums, thereby ensuring that the country’s human rights issues remain on the global agenda.

Conclusion

The meeting between HRDN Sierra Leone and the international human rights delegation marked a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to promote and protect human rights in Sierra Leone. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of international cooperation and local activism in building a just and equitable society.

As Sierra Leone continues to grapple with the complex challenges of human rights, it is clear that both local and international actors have critical roles to play in advancing the human rights agenda. The HRDN Sierra Leone remains steadfast in its mission to defend the rights of all Sierra Leoneans and will continue to work closely with partners, both locally and internationally, to ensure that Sierra Leone is a country where human rights are respected and upheld for all.