Amnesty International Sierra Leone has called on young people to play a more active role in advancing human rights, defending democratic values, promoting inclusion and addressing social and environmental challenges.
The call was made during the organization’s International Youth Day commemoration held on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, at the CCSL Hall on Kingharman Road in Freetown.
The event brought together members of Amnesty International Sierra Leone’s youth network and other young people under the theme, “Different Context, Common Aspirations.” The theme recognized the different circumstances confronting young people while highlighting their common aspirations for dignity, opportunity, inclusion, recognition and a sustainable future.
Christiana Mary Fabai, Gender and Disability Desk Officer at Amnesty International Sierra Leone and Chairperson of the commemoration, said the programme provided an opportunity to recognize young people’s diverse realities and shared ambitions.
Christiana Mary Fabai said Amnesty International Sierra Leone believes in the potential of young people and remains committed to creating platforms where they could express themselves, share their values and discuss issues affecting their lives and communities.
Regional Chairman of Amnesty International Sierra Leone, Percy A.J. Nicholson, encouraged young people to take an active interest in the organisation and its human rights work.
Percy A.J. Nicholson said the programme was intended to expose participants to Amnesty International’s work and values while equipping them with knowledge and inspiration to take back to their communities. He described young people as the organization’s future and stressed that investment in their participation and leadership must begin now.
Section Director of Amnesty International Sierra Leone, Solomon M. Sogbandi, challenged young people to recognize their existing influence and use it to promote positive change.
Solomon M. Sogbandi said young people are not merely leaders of tomorrow but are already shaping society. He maintained that their voices could influence laws, policies and social development and urged them not to remain silent when confronted with human rights violations, discrimination and abuse.
He encouraged young people to stand in solidarity with marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, migrants, refugees and people affected by poverty, inequality and exclusion.
Solomon M. Sogbandi also urged young people to defend democratic values by participating in civic affairs, organizing around public-interest issues and holding authorities accountable. He identified freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association as areas where youth participation could strengthen democracy.
He also called on young people to champion climate justice and environmental accountability, noting that environmental challenges were closely linked to human rights.
Solomon M. Sogbandi further encouraged the responsible use of technology for advocacy, education and mobilization while warning against misinformation, hate speech and online surveillance.
He urged young people to build solidarity across national borders, share experiences and work collectively to confront common challenges. Despite unemployment, inequality and climate-related difficulties, Solomon M. Sogbandi encouraged them to remain hopeful, describing hope as an act of courage.
The commemoration also featured thematic presentations on mental health, climate justice, education, digital access and human rights.
Former National Chairperson of Amnesty International Sierra Leone, Madam Violet Ruby Kawa, addressed mental health, identity and belonging. Her presentation focused on youth resilience and the need to create environments where young people feel supported, valued and accepted.
Amnesty International Sierra Leone Youth Advocate and Influencer Nyamakoro Marrah discussed climate justice and livelihoods, highlighting the connection between environmental risks and the economic opportunities available to young people. Nyamakoro Marrah stressed the importance of youth participation in climate-related discussions and action.
Chairman and Chief Commissioner of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Brima Abdulai Sheriff, addressed education, digital access and opportunity.
Brima Abdulai Sheriff emphasized the need to remove barriers preventing young people, including persons with disabilities, from accessing education, technology, leadership opportunities and full participation in society.
Executive Secretary of the Human Rights Defenders Network, Alphonsus B.M. Gbanie, examined the role of young people in promoting human rights and addressing social divisions.
Alphonsus B.M. Gbanie encouraged participants to understand that achieving dignity and justice require active participation, awareness and solidarity.
The discussions reinforced the central message that although young people experience different social, economic, environmental and personal circumstances, many of their fundamental aspirations remain the same.
Concluding the commemoration, Amnesty International Sierra Leone urged young people to defend human rights with courage, intelligence and compassion while promoting unity, equality, dignity, identity and freedom for everyone.
The programme served as both a celebration of young people and a platform for reflection on their responsibilities and opportunities in addressing challenges facing Sierra Leone and the wider world.
