UN Human Rights Body Pledges Support to Sierra Leone Parliament

The United Nations Human Rights system has pledged stronger support to the Parliament of Sierra Leone to enhance human rights protection through capacity building, legal reform, and improved legislative oversight.

The commitment was made on 10 June 2026 during a meeting in Freetown between a delegation from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights) and the Speaker of Parliament, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, led by Regional Representative Ayeda Robert Kotchani.

The UN delegation said it is ready to support Parliament’s Human Rights Committee through technical assistance, training, and documentation, while also encouraging stronger engagement with UN Special Procedures and international accountability mechanisms. It also called for a standing invitation for UN human rights experts to visit Sierra Leone to deepen cooperation.

The delegation commended Sierra Leone for abolishing the death penalty and praised the work of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, while urging increased funding to strengthen its independence and effectiveness.

In response, Speaker Thomas said Parliament is already highly sensitive to human rights issues and ensures that all legislation is reviewed to protect fundamental rights. He also noted that Parliament is reviewing the Human Rights Commission Act to improve its effectiveness and responsiveness.

The Speaker further highlighted Parliament’s growing role in addressing citizens’ complaints through its committees, which are increasingly used as platforms for resolving grievances.

The meeting underscored a strengthened partnership between the UN and Sierra Leone’s Parliament aimed at improving human rights protection, legal oversight, and accountability for citizens.