With support from UNDP and Irish Aid, the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has hosted its first-ever mobile complaints hearing session in Lungi, Kaffu Bullom chiefdom, Port Loko district and Tokeh in the Western Area Rural District respectively.
The HRCSL in 2017 introduced its Mobile Complaints Hearing with the objectives of increasing the Commission’s visibility in hard-to-reach communities and also receive complaints of human rights violations from communities that cannot easily access the Commission’s offices in Freetown and in the regions for redress.
The hearing started with the engagement of community stakeholders and residents within and outside Lungi and Tokeh on the Sexual Offences Amendment Act of 2019, and the Commission’s complaints handling mechanism.
At the two locations, Commissioners Hassan Samba Yarjah and Simitie Lavaly spoke briefly about the establishment of the Commission and its work over the years in the protection and promotion of human rights in the country, and encouraged residents to bring forward issues affecting the full enjoyment of their rights.
On behalf of the Paramount Chief of Kaffu Bullom chiefdom, Alimamy Samba Dumbuya praised the Commission for strides made in the protection and promotion of human rights and for taking their services to the doorstep of his people.
He implored the Commission to consider having an office within the chiefdom to address issues happening around the coastal villages.
Amara Konteh, a resident of Tokeh Community promised to use the knowledge gained on the Sexaul Offences Amendment Act 2019 to educate his pairs about the provisions, especially the ones that deals with Rape, Sexual Penetration and Criminal Settlement and Compromise.
The HRCSL team also carried out public education in schools and monitoring visits to police stations and healthcare centers.
