The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) completed a two-day engagement event, bringing together various stakeholders, including government ministries, agencies, civil society leaders, media professionals, religious figures, and community advocates.

The event featured an in-depth training workshop on critical topics such as climate governance, climate justice, and formulating actionable climate action plans.

The program at the CHRDI office on Wilkinson Road in Freetown empowers policymakers, environmental activists, and journalists dedicated to tackling climate issues within their communities. The workshop aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively address climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Dr. Mok, a distinguished visiting consultant at CHRDI, led the training sessions. With over ten years of experience shaping government climate change policy and mobilising communities for environmental justice in the United States, Dr. Mok brought valuable insights that enriched the discussions.

Mr. Abdul M. Fatoma, the chief executive for CHRDI, underscored the profound implications of climate change on human rights. He articulated how climate change threatens the environment but also exacerbates existing human rights concerns, including the fundamental rights to life, health, food security, clean water, and adequate housing.

Moreover, he highlighted that specific vulnerable populations—particularly indigenous communities, women, children, and low-income groups—face disproportionate challenges as a result of climate change, often bearing the brunt of its impacts.

Emphasising the importance of a human rights-based approach to climate change, Mr. Fatoma insisted that such strategies must ensure that climate policies and actions are designed to respect, protect, and fulfil human rights. Integrating this approach allows stakeholders to better advocate for effective and equitable climate policies.

CHRDI’s training and stakeholder engagement aim to empower participants to formulate sound policies and advocate for practical implementation in their communities. As a social public policy advocacy organisation dedicated to rights-based initiatives, CHRDI is committed to fostering collaboration and innovation in the fight against climate change while prioritising human rights.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday,30th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)