By Amin Kef (Ranger)
As Sierra Leone closes the chapter on 2025, the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has released a comprehensive summary of activities carried out during the year, underscoring its role as a critical voice in promoting accountability, transparency, and democratic values across the country.
According to the organization, 2025 was marked by strengthened partnerships, institutional engagement, and a renewed commitment to frontline human-rights protection, particularly in policing, detention monitoring, justice access, and public policy advocacy.
One of the year’s flagship initiatives involved extensive public education on the Draft Data Protection Bill. CHRDI conducted six capacity-building and stakeholder forums targeting university students, public institutions, private-sector players, and residents across four Freetown communities.
Supported by Access Now (USA), the outreach helped broaden understanding of digital rights, privacy, and the need for data safeguards in an evolving technological landscape.
CHRDI also intensified work around police detention practices and rights-based policing. A total of 137 police officers received training on human rights principles and detention standards, equipping frontline security personnel with improved knowledge on lawful arrest and custody procedures.
Complementing this effort, CHRDI conducted independent monitoring at 11 police stations in Freetown, engaging directly with 6,397 detained persons.
The organization reported the following detention breakdown:
- Male detainees: 5,861 (91.6%)
- Female detainees: 536 (8.38%)
- Released on bail during visits: 427
The figures, CHRDI noted, demonstrate ongoing systemic gaps and a continued need for oversight, transparency, and legal safeguards for citizens in detention.
CHRDI tracked and monitored 76 cases across Freetown’s three main court buildings, while continuing to push for greater judicial openness and administrative accountability.
In furtherance of its access-to-information campaign, the organization submitted three Freedom of Information requests and formally filed two complaints against the Judiciary for alleged violations of the Right to Access Information Act and related provisions governing public disclosure.
The organization secured support from International IDEA to conduct a baseline study on electoral violence linked to the 2023 elections—providing evidence for future reform and election management strategies.
CHRDI also convened specialized training on climate governance for journalists, civil society players, and public officials, aligning human-rights advocacy with climate justice and environmental accountability frameworks.
A strategic MOU was signed with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, signalling a commitment to deepening civic participation and expanding youth engagement in public policy discourse.
To widen its influence, CHRDI maintained active representation in national and international forums—contributing expertise on governance, rule of law, and rights protection while influencing policy architecture at multiple levels.
The organization says 2026 will usher in an even more assertive and impactful operational year.
“We will remain resolute in exposing and confronting human rights abuses, challenging oppression and injustice, and advancing democracy, freedom, and accountability in Sierra Leone,” the statement affirmed.
With partnerships, research evidence, and grassroots mobilization at the core of its strategy, CHRDI insists it will continue to shape public policy, strengthen citizen awareness, and defend human dignity wherever violations occur.
As the nation transitions into a new year, CHRDI’s work stands as a reminder that democracy thrives when civic institutions, watchdog groups, and engaged citizens work collectively to demand transparency, justice, and long-term social progress.
