By: Hope Times News Desk
In a significant move aimed at strengthening human rights protection, promoting social justice, and addressing some of the country’s most pressing social challenges, the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) and Men on a Mission–Global have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership focused on advancing the welfare and rights of vulnerable populations across the nation.
The agreement, signed on June 11, 2026, at the Human Rights Commission headquarters at Tower Hill in Freetown, marks the beginning of a collaborative relationship between the two institutions, bringing together the Commission’s constitutional mandate for human rights protection and Men on a Mission’s extensive grassroots presence throughout Sierra Leone.
The partnership is expected to serve as a platform for coordinated action in several critical areas, including access to justice, gender equality, mental health advocacy, youth empowerment, community protection, civic engagement, and public awareness initiatives. Stakeholders at the ceremony described the agreement as a timely intervention that reflects the growing need for stronger institutional collaboration in addressing emerging social and human rights concerns.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, Mrs. Patricia Narsu Ndanema, emphasized the importance of partnerships in promoting and safeguarding the rights and dignity of all citizens.
She noted that the Memorandum of Understanding provides a comprehensive framework through which both institutions can work together to implement programmes that directly impact communities and contribute to national development.
According to Mrs. Ndanema, the partnership goes beyond a ceremonial agreement and represents a practical commitment to addressing issues affecting communities across the country. She explained that the collaboration will focus on strengthening human rights awareness, supporting gender justice initiatives, advocating for mental health support services, empowering young people, and enhancing community-based protection mechanisms.
The HRCSL Chairperson further highlighted the importance of public education and community engagement in advancing human rights. She disclosed that both institutions will jointly organize outreach programmes, town hall meetings, public forums, media engagements, training workshops, research projects, and advocacy campaigns aimed at increasing public understanding of human rights and promoting responsible citizenship.
She expressed confidence that the partnership would help bridge existing gaps between national institutions and local communities, thereby improving access to information, services, and justice for vulnerable groups.
Providing a detailed background to the partnership, HRCSL Executive Secretary Joseph Kamara explained that the signing of the MoU was the culmination of several months of dialogue, consultations, and strategic engagements between the two organizations.
He stated that throughout these engagements, both institutions identified numerous areas of common interest and recognized the value of combining their strengths to achieve greater impact. He noted that the Commission’s expertise in human rights monitoring, policy advocacy, and institutional support complements Men on a Mission’s strong community networks and grassroots mobilization capacity.
Mr. Kamara revealed that the agreement provides for the development of annual joint work plans that will guide the implementation of programmes and activities. These plans will identify priorities, set measurable objectives, and establish clear mechanisms for monitoring progress and evaluating outcomes.
To ensure effective coordination and accountability, the MoU also establishes a Joint Coordination, Technical, Resource and Assessment (CTRA) Committee. The committee will play a central role in overseeing the implementation of agreed activities, assessing progress, identifying challenges, and recommending strategies for continuous improvement.
In addition to the committee, both organizations will appoint designated focal persons responsible for maintaining communication, coordinating activities, and facilitating collaboration between the institutions.
Mr. Kamara further disclosed that the partnership includes provisions for joint proposal development and resource mobilization efforts. Through these initiatives, both institutions hope to attract support from development partners, donor agencies, and international organizations interested in supporting human rights, social protection, and community development programmes in Sierra Leone.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone will provide technical leadership, policy guidance, professional training, monitoring support, and human rights expertise to strengthen programme implementation.
Men on a Mission, meanwhile, will leverage its extensive presence across the country to facilitate community engagement, mobilize citizens, conduct awareness campaigns, and implement grassroots interventions aimed at addressing social challenges and improving community wellbeing.
Representatives of both organizations emphasized that the Memorandum of Understanding does not create legally binding financial obligations for either party. Instead, programmes arising from the partnership will be supported through collaborative fundraising efforts, donor-supported initiatives, and jointly developed projects.
Founder of Men on a Mission, Pastor Joseph Kanu, described the partnership as a major milestone in the organization’s journey toward promoting positive social transformation.
He explained that Men on a Mission was established in response to growing concerns surrounding the welfare of men and boys, particularly issues relating to mental health, emotional wellbeing, social exclusion, and the pressures faced by men in modern society.
Pastor Kanu noted that despite increasing awareness about mental health globally, many men continue to suffer in silence due to social expectations and cultural barriers that discourage them from seeking help.
According to him, the organization seeks to create safe spaces where men can openly discuss their challenges, access support services, and contribute positively to their families and communities.
He proudly revealed that Men on a Mission has expanded significantly since its establishment and now maintains active structures in all sixteen districts of Sierra Leone. This nationwide presence, he said, positions the organization to effectively support community-based initiatives and contribute meaningfully to national development efforts.
Also addressing the gathering, Co-Founder of Men on a Mission and Deputy Clerk of Parliament, Rev. Gilbert Bosco Nhabay, outlined the organization’s future plans and strategic priorities.
He announced that preparations were underway for the official national launch of Men on a Mission, which is scheduled to take place at Parliament later this month. The event is expected to bring together policymakers, civil society organizations, development partners, religious leaders, youth groups, and community stakeholders.
Rev. Nhabay also disclosed that the organization has begun preparations for the observance of International Men’s Day on November 19, 2026. The commemoration is expected to focus on promoting positive male role models, raising awareness about men’s health issues, encouraging responsible fatherhood, and advocating for stronger support systems for men and boys.
During the discussions, participants expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of substance abuse, family disintegration, youth vulnerability, and social instability in many communities across Sierra Leone.
Stakeholders acknowledged that while considerable attention has been given to addressing challenges affecting women and girls, there is also a growing need for inclusive protection programmes that recognize the unique vulnerabilities faced by boys and young men.
Participants stressed that effective social protection requires balanced and inclusive approaches that support all vulnerable groups while promoting equality, social cohesion, and community resilience.
The meeting also highlighted the positive impact of ongoing paralegal training and alternative dispute resolution initiatives being implemented in various communities. These programmes have helped strengthen local conflict resolution mechanisms, improve access to justice, and reduce tensions within communities.
As the ceremony drew to a close, representatives of both institutions formally signed and exchanged the Memorandum of Understanding, symbolizing their shared commitment to building stronger communities, advancing human rights, promoting social justice, and fostering inclusive development throughout Sierra Leone.
Observers described the partnership as a promising step toward enhancing collaboration between national institutions and community-based organizations, with many expressing optimism that the initiative will contribute meaningfully to the realization of human rights and sustainable development goals across the country.
For both HRCSL and Men on a Mission, the signing of the MoU represents not merely an agreement on paper, but the beginning of a long-term partnership dedicated to empowering citizens, protecting vulnerable populations, and creating a more just, inclusive, and equitable society for all Sierra Leoneans.