The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) Mobile Complaints Hearing was introduced in 2017 with the objective to receive complaints of human rights violations from communities that cannot easily access the Commission’s offices in Freetown and in the regions for redress.
Spearheaded by the Directorate of Complaints, Investigation and Legal Services (DCILS), the session was also meant to increase the Commission’s visibility in hard-to-reach communities and to also engage in public education on the Commission’s activities, as well as on the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
With the support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Irish Aid, the HRCSL on Monday 31st October, and Tuesday 1st November 2022 took its complaints hearing teams to Bamoi Luma Town in Kambia District and Mile 38 in the Port Loko District respectively.
In each location, the hearing started with the engagement of community leaders and people, where the background of the establishment of the Commission and its work over the years was explained in detail by the Oversight Commissioner for DCILS, Commissioner Hassan Samba Yarjah.
Participants asked questions about gender-based violence, sexual penetration, forced and underage marriage, and the Sexual Offences Act of 2012 as amended in 2019, and recommended sustained public education on human rights issues.
A total of five (5) complaints were received at the MJ Mix, Imatt Hall in Bamoi Luma, while three (3) were recorded at the Memsapo Enterprise, Mile 38. Some of the complaints received bordered on child maintenance, crime related to the police, and unequal protection before the law.
On behalf of the Chief of Bamoi Luma Town, Pa Ahmed Turay commended the Commission for taking its services to the doorstep of the people and called for more engagements in other communities within the Kambia district.
After making her complaint, Fatmata Bangura of Bamoi Luma said: “I am so happy for the opportunity provided to complain to HRCSL what has been bordering me all this while. I strongly believe that the Commission will help me get justice at the end of the day.”
The HRCSL team also carried out public education in schools and monitoring at police stations and health centers.
@HRCSL Communications Team