By: James Kamara-Manneh
In a significant move towards addressing the intersection of climate change and human rights, a delegation from the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) led by Vice Chairperson and Oversight Commissioner for the Directorate of Climate Change and Information Service, Victor Idrissa Lansana Esq., held a constructive dialogue with Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security.
The purpose of this courtesy visit, which took place today at Dr. Yumkella’s office at State House, was to acquaint him with the HRCSL’s efforts in addressing climate change-related human rights issues and to explore potential collaboration avenues between the two entities.
In his address, Vice Chairperson Victor Idrissa Lansana underscored the crucial role of the newly established Directorate of Climate Change and Information Service, emphasizing its mandate to monitor human rights aspects associated with climate change. Lansana highlighted key rights, including the right to life, health, clean environment, food, and education, all intertwined with climate change impacts.
Expressing optimism about collaborative endeavors, Lansana stressed the imperative of mitigating climate change’s adverse effects on human rights. He commended Dr. Yumkella’s leadership and expressed the HRCSL’s readiness to work jointly in tackling this pressing issue.
In response, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella welcomed the HRCSL’s initiative and acknowledged the interconnectedness between climate change and rights issues. Dr. Yumkella revealed the completion of the initial draft of their strategic plan and expressed willingness to incorporate inputs from the HRCSL.Furthermore, Dr. Yumkella proposed drafting a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize the partnership and outlined potential collaborative initiatives, including public education on energy, particularly focusing on women, and the formulation of a Climate Change Act.
Accompanying the dialogue were key figures from both entities, including the Deputy Executive Secretary, Frederick Ibrahim Kamara, Director of Programmes, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Mohamed Kuyateh, and Director of Climate Change and Information Services, Abu Bakarr Kamara, along with other staff members.
The engagement signals a promising step towards synergizing efforts between the HRCSL and the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, paving the way for comprehensive action to address climate change’s impacts on human rights in Sierra Leone.Top of Form
