HRCSL NEWS AND EVENTS

The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) on Monday 20th November, 2023 joined the world in commemorating this year’s World Children’s Day with the theme "For Every Child, Every Right".

This day symbolizes a global commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of children. It is also a moment for the world to unite in the protection of children and reaffirm their pledge to provide them with a safe and nurturing environment, access to education, healthcare, and the opportunity to express their views and be heard.

In commemorating the day, the Commission’s Directorate of Gender and Children’s Affairs organized a Children’s symposium at the CCSL Hall at King Harman Road in Freetown, where Human Rights and Peace Club members were given the platform to engage in meaningful conversations on important topics that promotes their wellbeing and rights. Similar engagements were also held in Makeni and Kenema respectively.

Topics deliberated on included; Accessibility and Inclusion; Child Mental Health and Well-being; Child Participation and Voice; Access to Quality Education, among others.

Eight secondary schools in Freetown, including the Milton Margai School for the Blind and the National School for the Deaf, and five schools each from the North and Eastern provinces took part in the symposium.

In Freetown, pupils from the selected schools spoke about the challenges with regards accessibility and inclusion, child mental health and wellbeing and suggested ways to address them.

Chairperson of HRCSL, Mrs. Patricia Narsu Ndanema acknowledged the progress made so far by government in protecting the rights of children through the ratification and domestication of human rights instruments including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of Children being the regional human rights instruments.

“Additionally, over the years, the Commission notes the significant advancements especially in children’s education leading to an increased enrolment and subsequently an increase in the literacy rates,” she said.