The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) through the Directorate of Business and Human Rights and Labour Relations has concluded capacity building training for members of host communities at Koidu Lmited Mining Company in Koidu City, Kono District on busness and human rights, labour relations issues and conflict mitigation.

The training at the Resettlement Hall on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th March, 2022, brought together over 30 members from the host communities, including  members of the Kono District Human Rights Committee. 

The objectives of the training are to introduce the concept of business and human rights to Management and staff of the company, establish the link between compliance and successful business operations, establish the rights, duties and responsibilities of employer, employees and the host communities and strengthen the collaboration between the Company and the Commission.

During the presentations, several questions bodering on business and human rights, labour relations issues, operation of the company and conflict mitigation were asked by participants and answers provided by the various presenters, including Commissioner Hassan Samba Yarjah, Commissioner Dr. Gassan Abess, head of the directorate; Abdulai Yollah Bangura, Executive Secretary; Joseph Kamara and Senior Human Rights Officer; Moses Massaquoi.    

Topics discussed include; Women’s Rights and SGBV in Companies and Host Communities, the Busines Case for Human Rights and the Human Rights Case for Business, Highlights of Understanding the Business and Human Rights Agenda and UNGPs, Categories of Rights Affected by Business Operations, How to Carry out Development-Based Evictions and Relocation by Business Entities, Mechanisms for Monitoring Business and Human Rights in Serra Leone and Conflict and Conflict Mitigation in Business Related Commuities, among others.  

During the opening session of the training, Paramount Chief Paul N. Saquee , welcomed the initiative and noted that it will help manage some of the challenges being faced by the Village Resettlement Committee. He called for maximum support from members of host communties. 

Participants appreciated the move by the company and HRCSL to trained them on issues of business and human rights, labour relations and conflcit mitigation. 

Chairperson of the Kono District Human Rights Committee, Sahr Isaiah Suluku described the trainng as timely and essential for members of host communities. He espressed hope that the trainng will help in changing the perception of host community members against the company.

Certificates were handed over to host communities members that participated during the session.