By Thaimu T Kamara
The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone on 18 March 2026 hosted a high-level delegation from the African Network of Information Commissions as part of efforts to deepen collaboration and secure support for the upcoming International Conference of Information Commissions (ICIC), scheduled to take place in September this year in Freetown.
The meeting, held at the Commission’s headquarters at Tower Hill, brought together key stakeholders in the promotion of access to information and human rights.
The ANIC delegation was led by its Chairperson, Pansy Tlakula, alongside representatives from the Right to Access Information Commission headed by its Chairman, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw.
Leading discussions on behalf of HRCSL was its Vice Chairperson, Victor Idrissa Lansana, who welcomed the visiting delegation and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening institutional partnerships. He emphasized that addressing the complex human rights challenges facing Sierra Leone requires collective effort and sustained cooperation among institutions.
“No single institution has the capacity to tackle all human rights issues in the country,” Lansana stated, noting that collaboration remains essential for meaningful progress. He highlighted the long-standing partnership between HRCSL and RAIC, describing it as a relationship rooted in shared values and complementary mandates.
Also present at the meeting were HRCSL’s Executive Secretary, Joseph Kamara, his deputy Frederick Kamara, as well as directors and senior staff of the Commission, all of whom contributed to discussions on strengthening institutional cooperation.
In his remarks, Dr. Shaw expressed appreciation to HRCSL for hosting the delegation and acknowledged the Commission’s pivotal role in advancing access to information in Sierra Leone. He noted that the RAIC was among the founding members of ANIC in 2019, underscoring its longstanding commitment to regional cooperation on information rights.
Dr. Shaw further emphasized the importance of capacity building and institutional strengthening, proposing enhanced collaboration between RAIC and HRCSL in these areas.
He extended an invitation to HRCSL to play a central role in the planning and execution of the forthcoming ICIC, which is expected to bring together information commissioners and stakeholders from across the globe.
“The conference presents a unique opportunity for Sierra Leone to showcase its progress and leadership in access to information,” he said, adding that inclusive participation would be critical to its success.
Speaking on behalf of ANIC, Madam Tlakula underscored the intrinsic link between access to information and the broader human rights framework. She stressed that the right to information is not isolated but forms part of a broader “family of rights” that must be protected and promoted collectively.
“The right of access to information is fundamental to transparency, accountability, and democratic governance,” she noted. “Our institutions must continue to work together to ensure that these rights are upheld and strengthened.”
The meeting also provided a platform for both teams to engage in detailed discussions about their respective mandates, operational challenges, and opportunities for synergy. Participants explored practical avenues for collaboration, including joint advocacy initiatives, training programs, and coordinated public awareness campaigns.
As Sierra Leone prepares to host the ICIC later this year, the engagement between HRCSL, ANIC, and RAIC signals a renewed commitment to fostering partnerships that advance transparency, accountability, and human rights.
Observers note that such collaborations are critical in strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that citizens have meaningful access to information, which remains a cornerstone of good governance.
The meeting concluded with a shared understanding of the need for sustained engagement and coordination among institutions, as well as a collective resolve to make the upcoming conference a success.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 23rd March 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
