By: Mohamed J. Bangura
The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) and the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration to protect workers’ rights, promote decent working conditions and address human rights violations in workplaces across the country.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy visit by a delegation led by the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, Patricia Narsu Ndanema, to the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Umaru Napoleon Koroma.
During the meeting, Ndanema congratulated the Minister on his appointment and expressed the Commission’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the Ministry, particularly through its Directorate of Business and Human Rights and Labour Relations.
She highlighted the Commission’s ongoing development of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
According to her, the proposed National Action Plan contains a dedicated pillar on employment and labour, making the Ministry’s involvement crucial to its successful development and implementation.
The discussions also addressed the planned launch of the National Action Plan and findings from the Commission’s monitoring engagements with businesses and mining companies.
Ndanema stressed the importance of ensuring that businesses respect human rights and adopt responsible business practices, particularly in protecting workers and communities affected by their operations.
Responding, Minister Koroma welcomed the delegation and emphasised the importance of strengthening the relationship between labour administration and human rights protection.
He noted that effective labour relations require a balance between the interests of employers and employees, stressing that the protection of workers’ rights must go hand in hand with creating a conducive environment for sustainable business operations.
The Minister further reaffirmed his commitment to translating existing labour laws into practical action, particularly through the effective enforcement of the Employment Act.
He explained that proper implementation of the law would strengthen labour administration, improve workplace protection and ensure that employees enjoy the rights and safeguards guaranteed under the law.
Koroma also assured the Commission of the Ministry’s full support and commitment to deeper institutional cooperation, noting that effective coordination, timely resolution of labour complaints and accessible redress mechanisms are essential to preventing workplace disputes.
He emphasised that addressing labour grievances through appropriate legal and institutional channels would promote industrial harmony, national peace and stability.