Human Right Commission SL and UN Partner on UPR Validation Workshop

By I.B Tarawally

The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL), through its Directorate of Treaty Body Reporting and International Mechanisms, has validated its alternative (shadow) report on Sierra Leone’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. The one-day workshop was held on Monday, 6th October 2025, at the Dreams Entertainment Hall in Deep Eye Water, Western Rural District.

The exercise, funded by the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Sierra Leone, brought together HRCSL Commissioners, directors, and senior technical staff to assess and finalize the content of the report before its submission to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The validation workshop served as a crucial step in ensuring that the report accurately reflects the human rights situation in Sierra Leone, highlighting progress made, persistent challenges, and recommendations for further improvement. The Commission’s goal is to ensure that its submission meets international reporting standards and contributes constructively to Sierra Leone’s upcoming UPR review.

In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of HRCSL emphasized the Commission’s mandate to independently monitor and report on the human rights situation in the country. She noted that the shadow report complements the government’s official submission by providing an impartial assessment of key thematic areas, including access to justice, gender equality, freedom of expression, the rights of persons with disabilities, and socio-economic rights.

She further stated that the validation process demonstrates HRCSL’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in human rights monitoring. “As the national human rights institution, it is our duty to ensure that Sierra Leone’s progress and challenges are reported objectively and in line with international human rights mechanisms,” she said.

Senior officials from the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office commended HRCSL for its leadership and professionalism in preparing the report. They reaffirmed the UN’s continued support for Sierra Leone’s human rights architecture and its compliance with international treaty obligations.

Participants engaged in a detailed review of each section of the report, providing feedback and recommendations to strengthen the analysis and ensure that the document captures current realities on the ground.

The UPR is a peer-review mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council that assesses the human rights records of all member states every four to five years. Sierra Leone last underwent the process in 2021, during which it received several recommendations on improving human rights protection and implementation. The 2025 review will evaluate the country’s progress in implementing those recommendations.

At the conclusion of the workshop, the validated report was endorsed by the Commission’s leadership for submission to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The document will serve as an important advocacy tool for both national and international partners committed to advancing human rights in Sierra Leone.