Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda, has launched the country’s first Training Manual and Mobile Courts Operational Manual for handling Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases, in a move aimed at improving access to justice and strengthening the delivery of justice services.
The launch took place at the Judiciary Library in Freetown on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The two manuals are designed to guide judicial officers and justice sector institutions in handling cases during mobile court sessions, with particular attention to the effective administration of justice and the protection of survivors of gender-based violence.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Justice Kamanda said geographical barriers, poor road networks and transportation difficulties had long prevented some communities from accessing justice. He said mobile High Court sessions would help bring judicial services closer to the people, particularly in Falaba, Moyamba and Kailahun districts.
He clarified that the manuals would not replace the Constitution, existing legislation, court rules or lawful judicial orders. Instead, they would support the effective implementation of existing laws while respecting judicial independence and the separate responsibilities of institutions involved in justice delivery.
The Chief Justice also emphasised that effective justice delivery required cooperation among judges, registrars, prosecutors, defence counsel, police, correctional authorities, legal aid providers and other stakeholders, with each institution operating within its lawful mandate.
He urged participants to treat the manuals as practical working tools rather than documents to be placed on shelves, saying they should guide daily responsibilities and improve the administration of justice.
Officially opening the one-day training, Justice Kamanda said success should not be measured solely by attendance or the number of sessions completed.
He explained that the real measure of success would be reflected in improved preparation, stronger institutional cooperation, more efficient case management, better protection of confidentiality and greater accountability across the justice sector.
For his part, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Kevin Petrini said the manuals reinforced the need for a survivor-centred approach to handling gender-based violence cases.
He stressed that survivors must be treated with dignity, respect, confidentiality and sensitivity throughout the judicial process.
“Through this manual, the Judiciary is also taking an important step towards enhancing the efficiency of justice delivery by clarifying roles, standardizing procedures and strengthening coordination among institutions responsible for administering justice,” Petrini said.
He congratulated Chief Justice Kamanda and the Judiciary on what he described as an important achievement, expressing optimism that mobile courts would continue to expand access to justice and help reduce impunity across Sierra Leone.