Mrs Patricia Narsu Ndanema ,who happens to be the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, relayed an information to Government that while enjoyment of human rights is the collective responsibility of all, they remain optimistic that Government will be committed to their human rights obligations of respecting, protecting and fulfilling human rights thereby ensuring peaceful co-existence of the citizenry and the nation’s development.
The Chairperson was speaking on Wednesday 17th April, 2019 during the maiden Press conference of the Commissioners of HRCSL where she called on the public that ” the human rights Commission is yours. I hereby announce that our doors are wide open to all to address possible human rights violations (within our jurisdiction) without regard to ethnic, regional, political and other discriminatory considerations. We are here to serve everyone from all communities in the East, South, North, North West and the Western Areas Rural and Urban” she said.
Mrs. Ndanema assured the public that they have a mandate to uphold the HRCSL’s established vision which is for a Sierra Leone where the culture of human rights prevails, the people respect the rule of law and live in peace and dignity.
Explaining some of the strategies they will abduct in order to realise that vision, she mentioned about robust resource mobilization to promote their work at various levels, human rights education for duty bearers thereby taking along all duty bearers that have been charged to serve the people, extensive legal literacy on the local, regional and international human rights laws and obligations, extensive community/public awareness on human rights and to ensure the presence of the Commission in all districts and their environs.
“We also uphold our Mission which is to take the lead role in building the culture of human rights (i.e.respect for individual rights and responsibilities) which maintain the human dignity for all in Sierra Leone in full compliance with the constitution, statutes, international and regional instruments through effective partnership and collaboration” she averred.
She thanked the International partners of HRCSL for their financial and technical support to the Commission over the years. They craved their indulgence for their continued support towards the Commission’s effort in ensuring the enjoyment of human rights by all in the country.
To their local partners including civil society Organizations, the Chairperson renewed collaborative partnership in the protection and promotion of rights and in the education of the public on their responsibilities.
