The Human Rights Commission Sierra Leone (HRCSL) and Men on a Mission-Global on 11th June 2026 formalized their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Commission’s headquarter, Tower Hill in Freetown.
The MoU is aimed at establishing a formal framework for cooperation between the Parties in the protection and promotion of human rights through joint programmes in the areas of access to justice, gender equality, mental health advocacy, youth empowerment, and community protection.
A key feature of the partnership is the establishment of a Joint Coordination, Technical, Resource and Assessment (CTRA) Committee, with the mandate to provide strategic oversight and monitor progress. Both parties will also designate focal points responsible for day-to-day coordination and communication.
In her brief statement, Chairperson of HRCSL, Mrs. Patricia Narsu Ndanema said the MoU establishes a framework for cooperation in areas where the mandates and objectives of both organizations intersect, including the protection and promotion of human rights, gender justice, mental health awareness, youth development, and community-based protection initiatives.
She added that both parties will collaborate on community outreach campaigns, public forums, media engagement, capacity-building activities, monitoring and research and advocacy programs.
The Executive Secretary, Joseph Kamara gave a brief background of the partnership, citing several engagements and correspondences that laid the foundation for the MoU.
He highlighted areas of interventions incorporated in the MoU including the development of a joint annual workplans to guide implementation, and joint proposal development and resource mobilization efforts to support service delivery.
As part of the MoU, HRCSL is expected to provide technical guidance, policy support, training, and monitoring expertise, while Men on a Mission will leverage its nationwide grassroots network to mobilize communities, facilitate civic dialogue, and implement field-based interventions.
Both parties emphasized that the MOU does not create binding financial obligations but rather activities will be funded through jointly developed proposals and coordinated fundraising initiatives, including engagement with prospective development partners and donors.
Founder of Men on a Mission, Pastor Joseph Kanu highlighted their primary objectives which is to empower and support men and tackling the silent mental health struggles of men.
He noted that their growing national presence has helped them to establish structures across the sixteen districts of Sierra Leone.
Co-founder, Rev. Gilbert Bosco Nhabay, Deputy Clerk of Parliament, announced plans for a formal national launch of the organization at the end of the month in Parliament and preparations for International Men’s Day commemoration scheduled for November 19. 2026.
The two parties discussed increasing concerns around substance abuse, family breakdown, and the vulnerability of children and young people.
The meeting underscored the need for more inclusive protection programming, particularly for boys, while ongoing paralegal and alternative dispute resolution training initiatives were cited as successful community-based interventions.
The session concluded with the signing and presentation of the MOU by both parties.