The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL), with support from UNDP and Irish Aid, through its Directorate of Climate Change and Information Services, conducted research and data collection on the impact of climate change on the enjoyment of human rights in Gbangbatoke, Lower Banta Chiefdom, Moyamba District, on 18 August 2026, and Mambolo, Mambolo Chiefdom, Kambia District, on 20 August 2026.
©HRCSL Communications TeamA total of 40 participants, including stakeholders, landowners, community leaders, and persons affected by climate change, participated in the exercise.
The research seeks to assess the impact of climate change on vulnerable and marginalized populations, raise awareness on the need to integrate human rights into climate change policies and actions, and inform the development and validation of a comprehensive research report.
Speaking during the engagements, HRCSL Chairperson, Mrs. Patricia Narsu Ndanema explained the establishment and mandate of the Commission, noting its foundations in the 1999 Lomé Peace Agreement and the 2004 Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Recommendations.
She highlighted the Commission’s role in receiving human rights complaints, advising the government on laws and human rights issues, advocating for the ratification and domestication of international treaties, and supporting their implementation.
The Director of Climate Change and Information Services, Mr. Abu Bakarr Kamara emphasized that climate change has become an important human rights concern, as it directly affects fundamental rights, including access to water, food, shelter, health, and livelihoods.
Paramount Chief of Mambolo Chiefdom, Bai Sherbora N’Lion II said, "Water erosion is disturbing the farming system. Farmers no longer yield crops like they used to. The few crops that survived are eaten by pests."
Participants were subsequently divided into two groups to administer the research questionnaire. The collected data will be analyzed and validated with key stakeholders before the final report is published.