Who we are

Who we are overview

The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone is an independent Commission which was established in 2004 by an Act of Parliament. Our mandate is to protect and promote human rights in Sierra Leone.

What we do?

The Commission’s responsibilities are many. They include:- Receiving, investigating and making decisions on complaints made to it alleging that human rights have been violated. Providing public education and public awareness about human rights Holding public inquiries into human rights issues. Publishing annual state of human rights in Sierra Leone. Publishing information materials on human rights for public officials.

What are the powers of the Commission? To enable it effectively investigate complaints brought before it the Commission has been given powers of the High Court to: Compel witnesses to answer questions put to them by the Commission. To order the production of documents or other things necessary for its investigations Enter and search premises Refer a person to the High Court for contempt if the person refuses or fails without good reason to comply with a decision, direction or order of the Commission.

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Vision, Mission and Core Values

OUR VISION

A Sierra Leone where a culture of Human Rights prevails and the People respect the rule of law and live in peace and dignity.

OUR MISSION

The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone exists to take the lead role in building a culture of human rights (including respect for individual responsibilities) which maintains human dignity for all in Sierra Leone in full compliance with the constitution, laws, international and regional instruments, through effective partnership and collaboration.

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History of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone

The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) was established by an Act of Parliament in 2004 (Act No. 9 of 2004) to protect and promote human rights in Sierra Leone. Since its establishment, it has undertaken a number of activities to strengthen its capacity and promote and protect human rights.

The HRCSL became truly operational in 2007, although Commissioners took office in December, 2006. The five Commissioners were appointed through a transparent and participatory process that commenced in 2005 with a call for applications for the post of Commissioner. Short listed applicants were interviewed by a selection panel comprising six representatives of civil society interest groups and one representative of the government.

The Selection Panel submitted a list of seven candidates to the President who selected five nominees whose names were gazetted for public scrutiny and review. In October 2006 the five nominees were approved by Parliament, and thereafter took the Oath of Office before the President on 11th December 2006.

Since the appointment of Commissioners, significant progress has been made in operationalising the Commission. The Commissioners were walked through a two week comprehensive training facilitated by Commissioner Aliro Omara of the Uganda Human Rights Commission. This was followed by a three-week international study tour of the Ghanaian, Ugandan, and South African Human Rights Commissions. This was with the view to further build the capacity of the Commissioners to embark on their statutory responsibilities.

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