Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Sierra Leone has convened a high-level stakeholder consultation ahead of its 4th Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations Human Rights Council, signaling its continued commitment to strengthening human rights and reinforcing its global standing.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, brought together senior government officials, civil society representatives, and international development partners to consolidate a unified national report. The UPR serves as a key peer-review mechanism through which all 193 UN member states assess one another’s human rights performance.
Reverend Gibrilla Kargbo, Director of Communication and Public Relations at the National Commission for Democracy (NCD), described the consultation as “a vital dialogue among key stakeholders involved in Sierra Leone’s human rights commitments.” He said the session aimed to gather input, evidence, and perspectives to inform the official report while stressing the need for stronger inter-institutional collaboration.
He further outlined the core objectives of the review process: assessing progress on past recommendations, identifying current challenges, highlighting achievements, and promoting coordination between government agencies and civil society. Reverend Kargbo noted that one key challenge remains transforming policy mechanisms into statutory frameworks, emphasizing that “when it becomes a statute, the government is legally obligated to support it.”
Acting Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Momodu A. Wurie, described the consultation as “a vital platform for inclusive dialogue,” reaffirming that the UPR offers Sierra Leone an opportunity to showcase the measures taken to improve human rights and fulfill its international obligations.
Representing the Ministry of Justice, Senior Civil Servant Brima M. Lamin highlighted Sierra Leone’s consistent participation in all review cycles, noting that the country has accepted and acted upon 216 out of 274 recommendations. Despite ongoing challenges, he reaffirmed the government’s dedication to the process.
Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, Patricia Narsu Ndanema, reiterated the government’s commitment to meeting its human rights obligations. She emphasized the need for sustained collaboration with development partners to ensure that the process remains inclusive, adding that the Commission remains “steadfast in supporting the UPR and strengthening Sierra Leone’s human rights framework.”
The pre-UPR consultation underscores Sierra Leone’s determination to demonstrate measurable progress in governance, transparency, and human rights protection key indicators increasingly monitored by international partners and investors assessing the country’s reform trajectory.
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