By George M.O. Williams
The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, celebrated its 20th anniversary alongside the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
The event, held at the Commission’s headquarters on Tower Hill, Freetown, brought together staff, journalists, and stakeholders to reflect on the progress and challenges in human rights advocacy over the past two decades.
This year’s commemoration coincided with International Human Rights Day, which was themed “Equality: Reducing Inequalities and Advancing Human Rights.” The theme highlights the global call to address systemic barriers perpetuating injustice and inequality, ensuring all rights are protected and promoted.
In her keynote address, Human Rights Commissioner Patricia Narsu Ndanema emphasized the importance of the milestone, noting it as an opportunity to assess the government’s progress in meeting its obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights of its citizens. She also underscored the responsibilities of citizens to promote human rights as outlined in Sierra Leone’s 1991 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“As a Commission, we remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the core principles of human rights: equality, non-discrimination, universality, participation, and the inalienability of human rights for all,” Ndanema stated.
Highlighting the Commission’s efforts to amplify the voices of marginalized groups, Ndanema noted the establishment of the Directorate of Gender, Children’s Affairs, and Vulnerable Groups in 2019. This initiative provides a platform for vulnerable populations to report human rights concerns and seek justice.
She called for collective responsibility in advancing human rights, urging citizens to participate in advocacy actively. “The enjoyment of human rights is the collective responsibility of all. I encourage everyone to either raise their voices for policy change or raise awareness for the protection and promotion of marginalized persons’ rights,” she said.
The celebration not only marked HRCSL’s achievements but also reinforced its dedication to addressing inequalities and ensuring justice for all Sierra Leoneans.