Justice Minister Opens Human Rights Regional Office
By: Abu Bakarr Kanu
On 12 January 2021, the Attorney General and Minister and Justice , Commissioners of the Sierra Leone Human Rights Commission, , Resident Minister North West Region and stakeholders of Port Loko City formally opened the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone office in the North West Region. The ceremony took place at the office compound at Bakeh Loko Chiefdom, Port Loko City.
The establishment of the Regional office is as a result of demands from stakeholders of North West Region in a bid to strengthen the structure of Human Rights to promote and protect the right of persons in that part of the country.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Anthony Brewah said that the official opening of the office is historic and serves as a sign of commitment by President Bio’s government to increase the promotion and protection of Human Rights in Sierra Leone. Minister Brewah stated that the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone is under his ministry’s supervision with strong pillars to support the abuse and violation of rights of persons .He further pointed out that the government has appointed resident high court judges and customary law officers for the North West Region to speed cases of sexual penetration and rape. He reaffirmed government’s commitment for the protection and promotion of Human Rights.
Abu Bakarr ZoZo Kamara, the Mayor of Port Loko City said that the establishment of the Human Rights office in the North West Region will reduce incidents of human rights violation and abuse and urged the people of the North West region to make good use of the office.
Mr. Mohamed Kamara, the Chairman of Human Rights Committee of Port Loko District said that the official opening of the Human Rights office is history making for human Rights activists in the North West region. He pointed out that the sexual penetration, early marriage, teenage pregnancy and armed robbery cases are on the increase revealing that Port Loko District Human Rights Committee champions all these cases both in the Magistrate Court and Family Support Unit. He further pointed out that Port Loko District Human Rights Committee over years has made significant gains in creating awareness and public education. He called on government to boost the committee with resources.
Hon Haja Isata Abdulai Kamara Resident Minister of North West region said that the establishment of the regional office of Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone is very laudable for the protection and promotion of Human Rights. She noted that the establishment of the office will reduce crimes of Human Rights violation and abuse. The Resident Minister urged the Commission to provide equipment to sustain the office.
Mrs. Patricia N. Ndanema Chairperson of Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone told the meeting that the idea of the establishment of the Human Rights Commission was born out the past civil war in Sierra Leone, Lome Peace Accord and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which recommended for the establishment of such Commission. Mrs Ndanema expressed the significance of Human Rights Commission, stating that it creates awareness and build public confidence. She maintained that the office is owed by the people and it is part of fulfillment of Human Rights.
To climax the occasion, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice officially opened the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone office for North West region which covers Kambia, Kareneh and Port Loko Districts.