Freetown, Sierra Leone — Thursday, 31st July 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) welcomed a high-level delegation from the ECOWAS Court of Justice for a landmark engagement centered on strengthening collaboration for regional human rights advocacy and judicial cooperation.
The delegation, led by ECOWAS Court President Hon. Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves, was received at the Commission’s Tower Hill headquarters. The meeting marked a strategic step toward aligning efforts between the quasi-judicial Commission and the full judicial authority of the ECOWAS Court in safeguarding human rights across West Africa.
Victor Idrissa Lansana Esq., Vice Chairperson of HRCSL, emphasized the Commission’s readiness to support the Court, particularly on cases with national relevance. He underlined shared mandates to promote and protect human rights, expressing eagerness to play a greater role in supporting regional legal enforcement.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, ECOWAS Court Vice President Hon. Justice Sengu Koroma praised the Commission’s work and reaffirmed the Court’s dedication to delivering justice and upholding human rights.
Mr. Apraku Nketiah, Head of Legal Services and Research at the Court, traced the evolution of its jurisdiction—from settling inter-state disputes to becoming a key actor in human rights. He stressed the critical need for cooperation with national bodies to ensure enforcement of judgments, especially given that implementation falls to member states.
Court President Gonçalves engaged the Commission in a frank dialogue on challenges surrounding enforcement, noting that a state’s courage to comply with Court orders remains a decisive factor. He also sought clarity on the Commission’s relationship with central government, particularly regarding budgetary autonomy.