By Emma Black
The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL-SL) has successfully concluded a series of community outreach engagements across Kailahun District, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The three-month initiative aims to enhance public knowledge and strengthen access to justice for survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) under a project titled “Gender-Responsive Support to Facilitate Access to Justice.”
The outreach formed part of a pilot phase targeting three districts Moyamba, Kailahun, and Falaba and operated across three chiefdoms in each district. In Kailahun District, the beneficiary chiefdoms include Kissi Tonga (Buedu Town), Luawa (Kailahun Town), and Jawei (Daru Town).
The engagement sessions brought together local stakeholders, law enforcement officers, traditional leaders, persons with disabilities, pupils, and media representatives, among others. Discussions focused on the root causes of SGBV, the importance of reporting cases, and the legal and medical support available to victims.
Speaking at the various sessions, Jeremy Ben-Simbo, Acting Executive Director of CARL-SL, underscored the organization’s commitment to promoting accountability and ensuring justice for survivors of gender-based violence.
“This project has two key objectives,” Ben-Simbo explained. “First, to reduce and ultimately eliminate gender-based violence, and second, to support survivors in accessing justice and essential medical services. Many victims face financial constraints when pursuing legal action or seeking medical care, so this initiative provides them with transport and treatment assistance.”
He further noted that the project also addresses property and inheritance rights, particularly within Muslim, traditional, and customary marriages. He referenced the recently enacted Revolutionary Estates Law, which provides clearer legal protection for spouses and families in inheritance matters.
The outreach sessions also provided an opportunity for community members to raise questions and share experiences. CARL-SL representatives pledged to address outstanding issues during upcoming training sessions aimed at further strengthening community awareness and resilience against SGBV.
Ms. Jarrai Barrie, National Coordinator for the Foundation for Human Rights and Democracy and lead consultant for the outreach, commended the initiative and urged participants to maintain discipline and uphold the rule of law.
“Women are often the most affected by SGBV,” she said. “It is therefore crucial that communities, especially men, play an active role in preventing violence and protecting vulnerable individuals.”
Stakeholders from the three participating chiefdoms described the engagement as timely and impactful, thanking UNDP for its continued support. They called for an extension of the project’s duration and expansion to other chiefdoms within the district, noting that this was the first initiative of its kind to directly engage communities in Kailahun on access to justice for SGBV survivors.
The successful conclusion of this outreach marks a significant milestone in the fight against SGBV in Sierra Leone and demonstrates CARL-SL’s commitment to promoting justice, gender equality, and community empowerment across the country.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 8th October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
