AYV News, July 16, 2026
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha SesayEsq., has formally presented the Protocol to the African Charter on the Establishment of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights before Parliament, marking a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s efforts to strengthen human rights protection and deepen its engagement with regional judicial institutions.
The presentation represents the first formal step towards Sierra Leone becoming a State Party to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and coincides with the Court’s 20th anniversary.
According to the Government, ratification of the Protocol will enable Sierra Leone to play a more active role in Africa’s human rights architecture while reinforcing its obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The initiative forms part of broader government efforts to modernise the country’s legal and justice systems through increased participation in regional and international legal frameworks. It also complements Sierra Leone’s continued adherence to key international intellectual property treaties administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), which promote the protection of innovation, creativity, and investment.
Legal experts have welcomed the move, noting that Sierra Leone’s growing engagement with international legal instruments reflects its commitment to constitutional governance, improved access to justice, the protection of fundamental human rights, and sustainable national development.
The Protocol will now proceed through Parliament’s ratification process. Upon approval, Sierra Leone will deposit its instrument of ratification and officially become a State Party to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The Government maintains that the accession represents another important step in advancing the rule of law, promoting accountability, and strengthening the country’s democratic institutions while enhancing cooperation with regional human rights mechanisms.
