By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has commenced a series of capacity-building sessions for representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) aimed at strengthening their role in advancing Women, Peace and Security (WPS) through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism in Sierra Leone and The Gambia.
The first of the three sessions, facilitated by UPR Info, brought together civil society representatives to explore ways of monitoring and supporting the implementation of UPR recommendations relating to Women, Peace and Security.
The initiative seeks to strengthen civil society engagement in translating international human rights commitments into practical national actions, while promoting advocacy, accountability and cooperation among stakeholders in both countries.
During the session, participants examined practical approaches to implementing UPR recommendations, strengthening advocacy and accountability mechanisms, and sharing experiences on advancing women’s rights and participation in peacebuilding processes.
Speaking on behalf of the Commission, Executive Secretary Joseph Kamara underscored the important role of civil society organisations in ensuring that international commitments result in meaningful improvements in the lives of women and girls across Sierra Leone.
He also acknowledged progress made under Sierra Leone’s third-generation National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, as well as ongoing reforms aimed at increasing women’s participation in governance and public life.
Kamara described the capacity-building initiative as timely, noting that it would deepen stakeholders’ understanding of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism and its potential to advance Women, Peace and Security priorities.
The initiative is expected to strengthen collaboration among civil society organisations and other stakeholders working to promote human rights, gender equality, women’s participation in decision-making and inclusive peacebuilding.
The remaining two capacity-building sessions are scheduled for November 12 and 19, 2026, as part of efforts to build stronger civil society engagement in the implementation and monitoring of human rights recommendations in Sierra Leone and The Gambia.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 9th November 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
