The United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Amb. Bryan David Hunt recently visited the Regional Office of the Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone (HRDN-SL) in Moyamba District. The purpose of the visit was to engage with local human rights defenders and civil society organizations, fostering dialogue on enhancing collaboration to support human rights-based initiatives and development efforts within the district.

During the strategic meeting, key focus areas included strengthening partnerships to promote transparent governance, civic engagement, human rights advocacy, and service delivery. The Ambassador emphasized the importance of continued US support in advancing these initiatives, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to empowering human rights defenders and civil society organizations in Sierra Leone. He highlighted the vital role of these groups in promoting the rule of law, justice, accountability, good governance, democracy, and human rights.

The human rights defenders present provided insights into the current state of human rights and service delivery in the District, sharing successes in championing youth rights and outlining the challenges faced by government institutions in upholding human rights standards. The Regional Coordinator for HRDN-SL’s Southern Region, Mr. Gerald A. Foday, assured the Ambassador of the network’s ongoing commitment to collaboration and partnership in advancing human rights efforts across Sierra Leone.