By Alimatu Jalloh
Newton, Sierra Leone – December 9, 2025: With support from the Danish Institute for Human Rights, the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has continued its nationwide popularisation of the recently launched assessment report on the impacts of climate change on the enjoyment of human rights. The latest engagement was held in the Western Rural District at Campanero Hotel, Newton, following similar sessions in Makeni and Kenema.
The day-long event, spearheaded by the Directorate of Climate Change and Information Services, brought together civil society organisations, security forces, community members, and traditional leaders. The objective was to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders to strengthen advocacy for human rights-centered climate action.
Community Voices on Climate Change
Participants shared firsthand experiences of how climate change has disrupted livelihoods, caused flooding and landslides, and led to displacement and property loss. They pledged to support HRCSL’s efforts in addressing these challenges nationwide.
Madam Isata Kamara, Mammy Queen of Makandon, Joe Town Community, highlighted the devastating impact on swamp lands that previously sustained families.
“We have no access to market and our swamps anymore and this is disheartening. We are not fortunate to access education and so we use these lands to plant our crops for survival and to also send our children to school,” she said, urging the Commission to monitor land committees to ensure community members are not excluded.
She stressed that without alternative livelihoods, communities would struggle to abandon environmentally harmful practices.
Doris Fatimah Webber, Director of Women’s Advocacy and Agricultural Development Organization, welcomed the initiative:
“With this engagement, we now know that all is not lost regarding the preservation of our environment and the negative impact of climate change.” She called for the programme to be extended to other vulnerable communities across Sierra Leone.
HRCSL’s Commitment
Director of Complaints, Investigations and Legal Services, Mrs. Doris Fillie-Faboe, explained the Commission’s complaints-handling mechanism and encouraged participants to channel grievances to HRCSL for timely resolution.
HRCSL Chairperson, Mrs. Patricia Narsu Ndanema, underscored the direct link between climate change and fundamental rights such as life, health, food, housing, and livelihoods. She noted that the Commission’s nationwide consultations culminated in the compilation of the assessment report, which is now being popularised across the country.
“It makes no sense not to publicise the findings and recommendations contained in the report,” she emphasized.
The engagement reaffirmed HRCSL’s commitment to ensuring that climate change responses in Sierra Leone are firmly anchored in the protection and promotion of human rights.