By Musa Aiahson Koroma
The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has on 8th July 2026 held an engagement with Rev. Ambassador Dr. Momodu Conteh, envoy of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) to the ECOWAS region. The meeting focused on exploring partnership opportunities to strengthen human rights and development in Sierra Leone.
Rev. Ambassador Dr. Momodu Conteh thanked the Commission for granting him audience. He stated, “My decision to seek collaboration is not intended to compete with HRCSL but rather to complement the work they have been doing in the protection and promotion of human rights in Sierra Leone.” He described himself as a human rights defender and highlighted his involvement in Sierra Leone during past elections.
The Executive Secretary of HRCSL, Joseph Kamara, welcomed the proposal. He said, “The work of IHRC resonates with the mandate and functions of HRCSL, and we look forward to a formalized partnership.” Kamara noted that collaboration would strengthen the Commission’s ability to protect rights and promote accountability nationwide.
Deputy Executive Secretary, Frederick I. Kamara, who facilitated the engagement, also addressed the meeting. He invited Rev. Dr. Momodu Conteh to continue such engagements and emphasized that cooperation between local and international human rights institutions is important for advancing Sierra Leone’s democratic and developmental goals.
Discussions during the meeting centered on practical steps toward collaboration. Both institutions agreed that IHRC would submit a formal letter to HRCSL outlining its functions and activities. This would serve as the basis for drafting and eventually signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU is expected to guide joint initiatives in human rights protection and development.
The engagement concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen cooperation. HRCSL and IHRC agreed to pursue the formalization of their partnership through the proposed MoU, with the aim of strengthening advocacy, monitoring, and protection of human rights in Sierra Leone.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 13th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
