By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
Sierra Leone’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., on Thursday hosted a delegation from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) West Africa Regional Office (WARO) to review the country’s progress in advancing human rights protections and strengthening access to justice in Freetown, June 11, 2026.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Justice’s Guma Building headquarters on Lamina Sankoh Street in Freetown, provided an opportunity for both parties to assess achievements made through legal and institutional reforms, while identifying priority areas requiring further support and collaboration.
During the discussions, Attorney General Sesay highlighted several key reforms implemented by the Government of Sierra Leone to promote and protect human rights. These include initiatives aimed at decriminalizing poverty, expanding access to justice for vulnerable and marginalized groups, and strengthening institutions responsible for safeguarding human rights and the rule of law.
Attention was given to the work of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, the ongoing constitutional review process, and a series of legislative reforms designed to deepen democratic governance, uphold fundamental freedoms, and enhance the protection of citizens’ rights.
The Attorney General emphasized that the constitutional review process presents a significant opportunity to further entrench human rights principles within Sierra Leone’s legal and governance framework. He noted that the process will help ensure that the country’s laws continue to reflect international best practices while responding to emerging national priorities and societal needs.
The discussions also addressed ongoing challenges within the justice and human rights sectors, including resource limitations, institutional capacity gaps, and the need for sustained investment in reform initiatives. Both sides explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation and build on the progress already achieved.
Attorney General Sesay expressed appreciation for the longstanding support provided by the OHCHR and other United Nations agencies, describing them as trusted and dependable partners in Sierra Leone’s human rights and justice sector reform efforts.
“The OHCHR and other UN agencies have been dependable partners in our efforts to advance human rights and strengthen justice sector reforms. We remain committed to deepening these partnerships as we seek to scale up the investments and progress already made,” he stated.
Representatives of the OHCHR reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts to strengthen human rights protections, improve access to justice, and advance democratic governance through continued technical assistance and strategic collaboration.
The engagement reflects Sierra Leone’s ongoing commitment to promoting human rights, strengthening the rule of law, and fostering productive partnerships with international institutions to support sustainable governance, justice sector development, and democratic reforms.