The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) recently hosted the first of three capacity-building sessions for representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) on advancing Women, Peace and Security (WPS) through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Sierra Leone and The Gambia. This initiative, facilitated by UPR Info, aims to strengthen the role of civil society in monitoring and supporting the implementation of UPR recommendations related to Women, Peace and Security.
During the session, participants discussed practical ways to translate UPR recommendations into national action, strengthen advocacy and accountability, and promote experience-sharing among civil society actors in Sierra Leone and The Gambia. The discussions focused on deepening stakeholders' understanding of the UPR mechanism and its potential to advance Women, Peace and Security priorities.
Executive Secretary of HRCSL, Joseph Kamara, highlighted the critical role CSOs play in ensuring that international commitments translate into tangible improvements in the lives of women and girls across Sierra Leone. He acknowledged the progress made under Sierra Leone's third-generation National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, alongside reforms aimed at increasing women's participation in governance and public life.
The capacity-building series is a timely opportunity for stakeholders to enhance their knowledge of the UPR mechanism and its application in advancing WPS priorities. The sessions are expected to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders working to promote human rights, gender equality, women's participation, and inclusive peacebuilding in Sierra Leone.
The remaining two sessions of the capacity-building series are scheduled for November 12 and 19, 2026. These sessions will provide further opportunities for CSOs to engage with the UPR mechanism and discuss strategies for implementing UPR recommendations related to Women, Peace and Security.
The initiative demonstrates HRCSL's commitment to promoting human rights and gender equality in Sierra Leone. By empowering CSOs to engage with the UPR mechanism, HRCSL aims to ensure that international commitments are translated into tangible improvements in the lives of women and girls across the country.
The collaboration between HRCSL and UPR Info reflects a broader effort to promote Women, Peace and Security in Sierra Leone and The Gambia. The capacity-building series is a significant step towards strengthening the role of civil society in monitoring and supporting the implementation of UPR recommendations related to WPS.
Key points
- HRCSL launches three-part initiative to advance Women, Peace and Security through Universal Periodic Review in Sierra Leone and The Gambia.
- The initiative aims to strengthen the role of civil society in monitoring and supporting the implementation of UPR recommendations related to Women, Peace and Security.
- The capacity-building series will strengthen collaboration among stakeholders working to promote human rights, gender equality, women's participation, and inclusive peacebuilding.
