By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone — September 23, 2025: The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL), through its Directorate of Treaty Body Reporting and International Mechanisms, has commenced a nationwide engagement with key government entities to assess the implementation status of the 2021 Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Recommendations.
Supported by the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Sierra Leone, the initiative involves administering structured questionnaires to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to gather government perspectives on human rights progress. The findings will inform HRCSL’s alternative UPR report, scheduled for submission in October 2025.
The UPR mechanism, a global human rights review process under the United Nations, allows all 193 member states to be evaluated every five years on their adherence to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international treaties. The review also considers voluntary pledges made by states.
On September 17 and 19, HRCSL teams engaged officials from the Sierra Leone Correctional Service and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs. Discussions focused on the conditions of correctional facilities nationwide and progress on recommendations related to women’s and children’s rights.
Brima Kelson Sesay, Director of Treaty Body Reporting and International Mechanisms, emphasized the importance of inclusive and evidence-based reporting. “Such engagement would help ensure that the Commission’s submission reflects diverse perspectives, grounded in reality and inclusive,” he stated.
Both institutions provided credible and verifiable data, which will contribute significantly to the development of HRCSL’s alternative report. Upcoming engagements will include the Ministries of Internal Affairs, Social Welfare, Justice, Health, and Basic and Senior Secondary Education.
The initiative marks a critical step in Sierra Leone’s commitment to upholding international human rights standards and ensuring transparency in its reporting obligations.