By: Hope Times News Desk
The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) actively participated in the just concluded Salone Civic Festival, hosted at the Youyi Building compound in Freetown, as part of efforts to deepen citizens’ engagement and promote open, inclusive, and responsive governance.
The three-day festival, which ran from December 11 to 13, 2025, brought together Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in an exhibition village designed to provide the public with first-hand information on government programmes, reforms, and innovations.
As an institution under the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, the HRCSL utilized the exhibition platform to showcase its core activities and disseminate key human rights information materials. This engagement aligns with the Commission’s statutory mandate, particularly Section 7(2)(b)(ii) of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone Act of 2004, which emphasizes public education and awareness on human rights issues.
Following the official opening of the festival on December 11, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio visited the HRCSL exhibition booth to review the materials on display. Among the key documents exhibited was the Commission’s Climate Change Assessment Report, a copy of which was formally presented to the President and graciously received.
The HRCSL booth also attracted visits from other senior government officials, including the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., who signed the visitors’ register during his tour. He was engaged by the Director of Education, Communication and Training, Mr. Richard Tamba M’Bayo, who highlighted critical issues, including the Commission’s enquiry report and the need for the implementation of its outstanding recommendations.
Mr. M’Bayo further drew attention to the reduced supply of the Commission’s Guidelines on Monitoring Business and Human Rights in Sierra Leone, underscoring the importance of sustained support for human rights education and advocacy. The Attorney-General expressed appreciation for the quality and relevance of the information materials displayed, noting their value in advancing human rights awareness nationwide.