HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS NETWORK SIERRA LEONE ANNUAL REPORT – 2023

The Human Rights Defenders Network—Sierra Leone received support from Irish Aid to implement a project titled: “Empowering Human Rights Defenders for Improved Human Rights Situation in Sierra Leone.”  The network also received support from the German Embassy to implement a project titled: “Combatting corruption with a human rights-based approach in Sierra Leone,” The Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone also supported the network to organize voters’ education. These projects were successfully implemented, and below are the highlighted activities implemented during the reporting period.

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS NETWORK SIERRA LEONE STRATEGIC PLAN 2024-2028
The Human Rights Defenders Network, Sierra Leone embarked on developing a new strategic plan upon the expiration of the last strategy. This strategy is being developed as a response to the changing context of human rights and the need to situate human rights promotion and protection within this changing context as there is a growing need. This Strategic Plan will be delivered over five years in a way that can be adapted to an ever- evolving and changing external context.

The new strategy builds on years of experience of working with and learnings from our actions. It draws on the input from the Board, secretariat staff, partners and other stakeholders across the country. It builds on the achievements of the last four years during which we have dedicated support to monitoring and reporting on Human Rights violations. Through this strategic plan we have set out to strengthen our ability to meet the needs and demands in defending human rights. It is a statement of the commitment to the human rights struggle as the network remains committed to that struggle. As human rights defenders, we will solicit the required support to deliver on our promises as well challenge ourselves to be more effective and innovative in the defense of human rights.