By: Amara Kargbo
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has concluded a two-day national consultation to review 310 recommendations presented to Sierra Leone during the Fourth Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) before the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on 12 May 2026.
The consultation, held on 6 and 7 August 2026 at the Ministry’s conference room in Freetown, brought together representatives from ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), development partners, civil society organisations and other key stakeholders to examine the recommendations and discuss Sierra Leone’s official response for the 2026–2030 UPR implementation cycle.
Delivering remarks at the opening session, the Deputy Director General of Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Momodu A. Wurie, expressed appreciation to the Embassy of Ireland for supporting the consultation. He said the partnership reflected strong bilateral relations and a shared commitment to democratic governance, the rule of law, and the promotion and protection of human rights.
Alhaji Wurie described the Universal Periodic Review as one of the most important mechanisms of the Human Rights Council for promoting accountability, cooperation and the universal protection of human rights.
He explained that the UPR process is built on the principles of universality, constructive dialogue, equal treatment and peer review, allowing every UN member state to present its human rights record, share experiences, identify challenges and receive recommendations for improvement.
According to him, the consultation was guided by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 60/251 and Human Rights Council Resolution 16/21, which encourage broad and inclusive participation by relevant stakeholders in determining strategies for implementing UPR recommendations.
During the two-day engagement, participants reviewed all 310 recommendations to determine those the government would accept and prioritise for implementation during the 2026–2030 cycle.
The outcome of the consultation will inform Sierra Leone’s official position when the Human Rights Council formally adopts the country’s UPR outcome in September 2026.
Alhaji Wurie stressed that the UPR should not be viewed merely as an international reporting obligation, but as a practical tool for strengthening governance, advancing the rule of law and supporting sustainable development.
He noted that implementing the recommendations would complement the National Development Plan and President Dr Julius Maada Bio’s Big Five Game Changers agenda, particularly in areas such as governance reform, public sector efficiency, human capital development, youth empowerment, gender equality, social justice and inclusive national development.
Highlighting key reforms already undertaken, Alhaji Wurie cited the abolition of the death penalty, Sierra Leone’s accession to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ongoing constitutional review processes, criminal justice reforms under the Criminal Procedure Act 2024, and strengthened child protection measures through the Child Justice Act 2025.
He emphasised that promoting and protecting human rights requires continuous commitment, strong institutions and collaboration among government institutions, Parliament, the judiciary, independent bodies, civil society organisations, development partners and citizens.
The Deputy Director General explained that while some recommendations could be implemented through administrative actions, others would require legislative reforms, institutional strengthening, technical assistance or additional resources.
He therefore urged participants to ensure that accepted recommendations are ambitious, realistic and capable of producing measurable improvements in the lives of Sierra Leoneans.
Alhaji Wurie encouraged stakeholders to approach the consultation with openness, objectivity and a spirit of partnership, guided by both international obligations and the shared goal of building a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous Sierra Leone.
He also commended ministries, departments and agencies, the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, civil society organisations, development partners and members of the diplomatic community for their continued contributions to the country’s human rights agenda.
The Doctor of Legal Affairs at the Ministry, Patrick Hassan Morlai Koroma, thanked government officials and civil society representatives for their active participation in the consultation.
He described the engagement as a critical step in shaping the government’s position on the 310 recommendations from Sierra Leone’s Fourth Cycle UPR held in Geneva.
Koroma explained that the government is currently finalizing its responses, which will be formally presented during the 63rd Session of the Human Rights Council in September 2026.
He noted that Sierra Leone will use that session to communicate the recommendations it accepts and commits to implementing during the next reporting and implementation cycle.
On behalf of the Honourable Minister, the Director-General and the senior management of the Ministry, Koroma expressed appreciation to professional and technical heads of MDAs for appointing UPR focal persons and supporting their participation in the consultation.
He also recognized the contribution of civil society organizations, whose involvement helped ensure that the process was inclusive and reflected diverse perspectives on Sierra Leone’s human rights situation.
Koroma further expressed gratitude to the Embassy of Ireland in Freetown for its timely support, which enabled the successful organization of the national consultation.
He said Ireland’s support demonstrates its continued commitment to advancing human rights and strengthening Sierra Leone’s engagement with international human rights mechanisms.