HRCSL Pushes for Stronger Protection of Workers’ Rights in Sierra Leone

The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has urged for stronger institutional collaboration to promote workers’ rights and address human rights concerns in workplaces and business operations across the country. This call was made by the Commission’s Chairperson, Patricia Narsu Ndanema, during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Umaru Napoleon Koroma. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two institutions to ensure effective protection of workers’ rights.

The HRCSL is currently developing the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Employment and labour relations form a key pillar of the proposed framework. Ndanema stressed the importance of the Ministry’s involvement in the process, alongside other relevant institutions, to ensure that the plan effectively addresses workers’ rights and promotes responsible business practices.

The Commission briefed the Minister on findings from its monitoring engagements with businesses and mining companies, highlighting the need to address human rights concerns within business operations. This engagement aimed to foster cooperation and ensure that businesses operate responsibly, respecting the rights of workers. The Ministry’s involvement is crucial in this process to ensure that the rights of workers are protected.

Minister Koroma acknowledged the strong relationship between labour administration and human rights protection. He emphasized the importance of balancing employers’ interests with the rights and welfare of workers. The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of the Employment Act, rather than limiting progress to the existence of legislation.

The Ministry and the HRCSL also underscored the importance of timely resolution of labour complaints and accessible redress mechanisms in preventing workplace disputes and promoting national peace and stability. Both institutions recognize that effective resolution of labour complaints is essential for maintaining a stable and peaceful work environment.

The engagement between the HRCSL and the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to advancing decent work, accountability in business operations, and stronger protection of human rights in Sierra Leone. The two institutions pledged to work together to promote workers’ rights and ensure that businesses operate responsibly.

The collaboration between the HRCSL and the Ministry is expected to lead to improved protection of workers’ rights in Sierra Leone. The National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights will provide a framework for promoting responsible business practices and addressing human rights concerns. The effective implementation of the Employment Act and timely resolution of labour complaints will also contribute to a more stable and peaceful work environment.

Key points

• The HRCSL is developing the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights to promote workers’ rights and responsible business practices.
• The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has pledged its support for deeper collaboration with the HRCSL to promote workers’ rights.
• The effective implementation of the Employment Act and timely resolution of labour complaints are crucial for maintaining a stable and peaceful work environment.