AYV News, July 2, 2026
The Human Rights Commission Sierra Leone (HRCSL) engaged over five hundred police recruits at the Police Training School in Hastings in a session focused on the fundamentals of human rights.
The engagement was led by HRCSL Chairperson, Madam Patricia Narsu Ndanema, and employed an interactive teaching approach designed to help the new recruits understand that human rights are not abstract concepts, but daily realities affecting life, liberty, education, work, health, and peace.
“When you understand your rights, you are better placed to speak up, seek help, and hold systems accountable when those rights are threatened,” Madam Ndanema told the recruits.
The presentation covered a broad spectrum of rights, including civil and political rights such as freedom of movement and freedom of expression, economic, social and cultural rights such as access to education and health, and solidarity rights including the right to peace.
Drawing on simple, relatable examples, the Chairperson outlined the Commission’s mandate and illustrated how these rights manifest in everyday life, from the ability to vote and learn, to living safely and with dignity within one’s community.
Madam Ndanema reaffirmed the Commission’s mandate to protect and promote human rights for all Sierra Leoneans. She concluded the session by pledging HRCSL’s continued commitment to collaborating with the Sierra Leone Police, and urged the recruits to remain inquisitive, keep learning, and carry out their duties professionally and within the confines of the law.
The session ended on a high note, with participants demonstrating a marked increase in awareness and understanding of human rights principles and their relevance to police work.
