Parliament Ratifies African Human Rights Court Protocol

Sierra Leone has taken a major step toward joining the Protocol to the African Charter on the Establishment of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights after Parliament ratified the instrument, reaffirming the country’s commitment to human rights, justice and the rule of law.

The ratification was approved by Parliament on Thursday, July 16, 2026, paving the way for Sierra Leone to participate in Africa’s regional human rights judicial system.

Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay described the development as a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to promote and protect human rights at both national and continental levels.

“It’s official — Sierra Leone Parliament has ratified the Protocol to the African Charter on the Establishment of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” Sesay announced.

He said the move would strengthen Sierra Leone’s human rights obligations while contributing to the broader development of Africa’s human rights framework.

“With this, we are strengthening human rights commitments on the home front while also contributing to strengthening the African continent’s human rights architecture,” the Attorney-General stated.

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights was established to complement the work of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights by providing judicial oversight for the protection and enforcement of human rights across the continent.

Through the ratification of the protocol, Sierra Leone joins other African nations committed to advancing the continent’s human rights mechanisms and safeguarding fundamental freedoms.

The development marks another step in Sierra Leone’s efforts to promote democratic governance, uphold the rule of law and deepen engagement with regional and international human rights institutions.