By Fatmata Grace Okekearu Bo City
In a groundbreaking initiative, Land for Life, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Human Rights Commission, spearheaded a pivotal stakeholders engagement event at the prestigious Pujehun District Council Hall on March 14, 2024.
The day-long gathering brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, all united in their mission to address urgent concerns surrounding land governance and human rights within the district.
Bangs Komba Lebbie, National Coordinator of Land for Life, emphasized the critical importance of the engagement, aimed at capturing the multifaceted perspectives of stakeholders on issues concerning land governance and human rights.
Mr. Lebbie shed light on historical inequities perpetuated by previous land laws in Sierra Leone, particularly affecting marginalized demographics such as people from Creole backgrounds in Freetown and women. However, with the implementation of new land laws in 2021, significant strides have been made towards rectifying these injustices, clarifying and expanding land ownership rights.
The event saw active participation from individuals like George Julius Kamara, who hailed it as a progressive step forward. Kamara commended the insights provided, particularly regarding crucial aspects such as the Customary Land Right Act and the historical context of Sierra Leone’s land laws. He underscored the significance of recently enacted land laws, which provide clear guidelines for judicious land resource utilization.
Encouraging fellow participants to translate gained knowledge into action within their respective spheres, Kamara stressed the pivotal role of responsible land management in driving sustainable development initiatives.
The stakeholder’s engagement in Pujehun District represents a watershed moment in Sierra Leone’s relentless pursuit of equitable land ownership and sustainable land management practices. The collaborative efforts between Land for Life and the Sierra Leone Human Rights Commission exemplify a shared commitment to safeguarding land rights and ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals in the land governance landscape.
The invaluable insights gleaned from this engagement are poised to shape the formulation of progressive land laws and policies, guided by principles of fairness, inclusivity, and respect for human rights. This marks a significant step towards a more just and prosperous future for Sierra Leone.
