A high-level delegation from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) met with the Speaker of Sierra Leone's Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, on November 12, 2026, at the Parliament Building in Freetown. The delegation discussed Parliament's role in strengthening human rights protections and advancing Sierra Leone's international treaty commitments. The meeting was part of the delegation's visit to participate in the upcoming Conference on Women and Security.
The UN Human Rights Representative, Christian Mukosa, explained that the delegation considered it essential to meet with Parliament's leadership, following a similar engagement at the Ministry of Justice. Mukosa recognized Parliament's crucial role in advancing human rights and encouraged Speaker Thomas to continue providing leadership in promoting the ratification of international human rights conventions. This engagement highlights the importance of collaboration between the UN and Sierra Leonean authorities on human rights issues.
Benjamin Moreau, Deputy Regional Representative of the OHCHR West Africa Regional Office, based in Dakar, Senegal, emphasized the organization's ongoing collaboration with Sierra Leonean authorities on human rights policies and reporting. He mentioned that OHCHR is working closely with the Government to finalize key human rights reports, particularly those related to the Convention Against Torture and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Moreau commended the legislature for passing progressive laws, including the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment (GEWE) Act of 2022.
Speaker Thomas reaffirmed the Sixth Parliament's commitment to promoting human rights through progressive legislation and strengthening the country's legal framework. He highlighted several landmark laws passed by Parliament, including the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Act, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, and the Abolition of the Death Penalty. These laws demonstrate Sierra Leone's efforts to protect fundamental human rights and align with international standards.
The Speaker assured the delegation that Parliament remains prepared to review, enact, and ratify additional international instruments aimed at promoting and protecting human rights. He also noted that women account for more than 30 percent of lawmakers in the current Sixth Parliament, reflecting Sierra Leone's commitment to gender inclusion, equality, and democratic governance. This representation is a significant step towards ensuring that women's voices are heard in the country's decision-making processes.
The engagement between the UN human rights delegation and Speaker Thomas underscores the importance of collaboration between international organizations and national authorities in promoting human rights. The meeting highlights the progress made by Sierra Leone in advancing human rights and the country's commitment to strengthening its legal framework. The UN's support and guidance will likely play a crucial role in helping Sierra Leone meet its international human rights obligations.
The visit of the UN human rights delegation to Sierra Leone demonstrates the country's commitment to human rights and its willingness to engage with international organizations to strengthen its human rights protections. The meeting with Speaker Thomas is a significant step towards promoting human rights and advancing Sierra Leone's international treaty commitments. The country's progress in this area will likely be closely monitored by the international community.
Key points
- The UN human rights delegation met with Sierra Leone's Speaker Thomas to discuss pending treaty ratifications and human rights protections.
- Sierra Leone's Parliament has passed progressive laws, including the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment Act, to promote human rights.
- The country has made significant progress in advancing human rights, with women accounting for over 30 percent of lawmakers in the current Parliament.
