Commissioners and staff of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) benefited from training on the Role of the Commission in the Universal Periodic Review of Sierra Leone. The training took place at Occasions Hotel at Lakka, Goderich on Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th March with the support of UPR Info.
The objectives of the training were to increase awareness on the UPR and how to engage with the mechanism; raise awareness on monitoring the implementation of the UPR recommendations for mid-term and periodic shadow reporting, engage in identifying solutions to obstacles and strengthen coordination among national CSOs/NHRC including organizations working in different regions of the country, when advocating on human rights through the UPR.
The Chairperson of HRCSL, Madam Patricia Narsu Ndanema said the training indicates that UPR matters is not only limited to the Directorate of Treaty Body Reporting and Other International Mechanisms but the business of every staff of the Commission.
“The Commission being the critical stakeholder in reminding government of its reporting obligations to international and regional treaty bodies as required by Section (7) 2(e) of the HRCSL act of 2004, fully participated in all the preparatory phases for the achievement of the said reporting mechanism,” she said.
She noted that the Commission has been very proactive in advising government on UPR recommendations through the line ministries; Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs and International Corporation, raising awareness and conducting consultations at national and regional levels to encourage domestic actors take part in the process.
The facilitators from UPR Info shared good practices for NHRIs in monitoring and implementation of the UPR and a methodology to identify indicators to monitor the implementation of UPR recommendations and adapt them to the national context.
Tom Sandi, Deputy Director and Head of HRCSL’s Eastern Region office, raised a concern with regards compromise, as the Commission is monitoring and at the same implementing and submitting alternative reports on the UPR process.
Executive Directive of UPR Info, Mona M’Bikay stated that UPR Info’s mission is to improve the human rights situation on the ground through the mechanism.
She added that they also support all stakeholders through capacity building, developing technical tools to facilitate engagement in the UPR process and organizing events to encourage cooperation between parties.
“We are indeed in the middle of the UPR cycle for Sierra Leone. This represents a key moment also for HRCSL that can contribute with its work to the assessment of measures taken by the Government to respond to the human rights commitment taken,” she said.
According to her, the HRCSL can play a critical role in monitoring and supporting the implementation of the UPR recommendations based on its mandate to educate and raise awareness about human rights, review legislations and monitor human rights violations.
United Nations Senior Human Rights Advisor to Sierra Leone, Uchenna Emelonye commended the Commission for engaging in the UPR process, and spoke about the need to established a basket fund to help in monitoring the implementation of the UPR recommendations.