By Alusine Sesay
FREETOWN, October 19, 2026: The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has declared what it describes as a “human rights emergency” in Sierra Leone’s correctional facilities, citing alleged widespread arbitrary detention, severe overcrowding, prolonged trial delays, and deteriorating healthcare conditions at the Freetown Male Correctional Centre and the New England Female Correctional Centre.
The declaration follows a monitoring mission conducted by the rights organization on October 14, during which CHRDI said it uncovered systemic failures within the country’s correctional and judicial systems.
According to the organization, more than 2,000 inmates are being held at the Freetown Male Correctional Centre under overcrowded conditions, while over 184 women are detained at the New England Female Correctional Centre.
CHRDI alleged that over two-thirds of inmates at Pademba Road are pre-trial detainees, with more than 1,000 individuals reportedly being held without conviction and many facing extended delays in accessing justice.
The organization claimed that some inmates have remained on remand for years, citing cases involving trial delays dating back to 2016 and detainees awaiting committal proceedings since 2020.
Health Concerns Raised
CHRDI also expressed concern about what it described as a worsening health crisis inside the facilities.
The organization reported that 20 inmates have died since March 2026, attributing the deaths to severe anaemia, malnutrition and inadequate medical care.
Among other concerns, CHRDI said it documented 18 inmates suffering from active tuberculosis being housed alongside other prisoners and identified 48 inmates living with HIV/AIDS within the correctional system.
The rights group further alleged that 19 inmates with psychosocial and cognitive disabilities were being held without adequate psychiatric care and that 28 surgical procedures had been conducted in inadequately equipped prison infirmaries.
It also highlighted what it called severe food shortages, claiming inmates survive on two basic meals a day.
Allegations of Arbitrary Detention
CHRDI criticized the continued detention of individuals unable to pay minor fines, arguing that such practices amount to the criminalization of poverty.
The organization further alleged that 21 drug-related suspects placed in “safe custody” by the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU) were being held without adequate judicial oversight.
It also raised concerns over the alleged re-arrest of an individual who had previously been released following a special prison court session, describing the move as a violation of due process and the rule of law.
Women and Children
The report drew attention to conditions at the New England Female Correctional Centre, where CHRDI claimed official prison records did not correspond with the number of detainees physically present.
The organization said it documented seven infants and toddlers living with incarcerated mothers, including three children allegedly born while their mothers were in custody.
CHRDI argued that such circumstances violate international standards governing the treatment of women prisoners and children’s rights.
Call for Urgent Reforms
CHRDI Chief Executive Abdul M. Fatoma described the situation as a humanitarian and human rights crisis requiring immediate intervention.
“What CHRDI has documented across Freetown’s correctional centres is not merely institutional negligence; it is an active, state-tolerated humanitarian and human rights crime,” Fatoma said.
The organization called on the Government of Sierra Leone, the Judiciary, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Health and the Si…