Speaking at the function, the second in command of the Kambia Correctional Center, Alhassan Sesay said the Correctional Officers have been practicing the protection of human rights in terms of overseeing inmates in their facilities. He praised HRCSL for the partnership in upholding the principles of human rights.
The Kambia District Human Rights Committee Chairman, Foday S. Dumbuya stated that the District faces a number of human rights challenges by stating that the high cost of living and poverty remains the biggest potential threat to the current state of peace and stability.
The civil society chairman praised the British High Commission for providing the funds to the HRCSL to undertake the engagement in Kambia District.
The 2nd Secretary, Head of Political Section, British High Commission Sierra Leone -Annup Vyas said the BHC was proud to sponsor the engagement as he stated disseminating the SOHR was central to HRCSL to maintain and strengthen human rights and to encourage everyone to speak out. Annup further said 2016 was an eventful period for Sierra Leone as it faced review at the Universal Period Review and the Constitutional Review Commission.
Jamesina King, Commissioner of HRCSL said since the Commission was established by law, it has endeavored to fulfil it’s statutory functions which include investigating human rights violations, conducting public education, advising government on human rights to assist in fulfilling it’s human rights obligations, monitoring places of detention and producing a report every year.
She expressed gratitude to the BHC for their partnership and support towards the holding of such engagement and hopes that similar partnership will continue for similar meetings to be held in other parts of the country.
The program was chaired by Abdulai Yolla Bangura, Senior Human Rights Officer in charge of Business and Human Rights of HRCSL
