AYV News, July 15, 2026
The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Human Rights has raised concerns over the conditions at the Female Correctional Centre in New England, Freetown, following an oversight visit aimed at assessing the welfare and human rights situation of inmates.
The Committee, chaired by Hon. Dr. Unpha SorieKoroma, visited the facility on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, where inmates highlighted several challenges affecting their daily lives, including severe overcrowding, inadequate sleeping facilities, limited medical supplies, and the need for alternative sentencing measures for minor offences.
During the engagement, inmates disclosed that the correctional centre, which was originally constructed to accommodate only 18 inmates, is currently housing more than 200 women, creating significant pressure on available resources and facilities.
Representing the inmates, Janet Kamara and the President of the Female Inmates, Zainab Sheriff, appealed to the Government to improve conditions at the facility by providing essential items such as beds and medicines, addressing drug-related concerns, and considering reduced penalties for first-time offenders.
They also expressed gratitude to non-governmental organisations for their continued support and interventions aimed at improving the welfare of inmates.
Members of the Parliamentary Committee commended correctional authorities for their efforts in managing the facility despite existing challenges and reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to promoting human rights and improving conditions across correctional centres in the country.
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Dr. Unpha SorieKoroma praised civil society organisations for their civic education programmes for inmates, noting that such initiatives play an important role in rehabilitation. He further stressed the need to explore community service as an alternative to imprisonment for minor offences.
Hon. Rev. Soukenah Fatmata Sarah emphasised Parliament’s commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and ensuring that the rights and dignity of women are protected.
Meanwhile, Hon. Brima Mansaray reminded citizens of their responsibility to obey the law, while Opposition Whip Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara encouraged the inmates to remain hopeful and pledged to donate ten mattresses to help improve their living conditions.
The visit forms part of Parliament’s broader oversight mandate to ensure accountability, promote humane treatment, and advocate for reforms that strengthen the correctional system in Sierra Leone.
The Committee is expected to continue engaging relevant stakeholders as efforts intensify to address challenges facing correctional facilities and enhance rehabilitation programmes for inmates.
