The Human Rights Commission Sierra Leone (HRCSL) with support from UNDP and Irish Aid on 20th and 21st August 2026 hosted Mobile Complaints Hearing session in Moyamba Town, Moyamba District and in Blama Town, Small Bo Chiefdom, in the Kenema District, bringing human rights services closer to underserved communities.
The Commission, which has the legal mandate to protect and promote human rights, still believes that many people in rural areas still find it difficult to access justice due to the difficulty of the terrains they find themselves, the Geographical location and possibly the distance. This is further made worse by the limited presence of its offices.
Commissioner Hassan Samba Yarjah said human rights are interconnected with daily life, stating that from the farmer who plants to feed the nation, to the teacher who delivers education and to the business person who creates jobs, every sector plays a role in upholding rights and responsibilities.
He explained how the right to food links to the rights to life, health and education are foundations for employment, family stability, and poverty reduction, noting that when these rights are not addressed, communities face hardship, social disorder, and a breakdown of peace.
He urged citizens to move beyond talking only about rights but also take responsibility for protecting rights.
He concluded with the maxim "to every right, there is a corresponding responsibility."
While the Commission has regional offices in Makeni, Bo, Kenema, Port Loko, Waterloo, and Freetown, remote chiefdoms remain underserved.
The Chiefdom Speaker for Small Bo Chiefdom, Ishmael.S. Koroma expressed appreciation to the Commission and admonished participants that as they have been opportuned to bring out complaints of human rights issues, they should also endeavour not to give any false allegations against anyone.
He told community members that as their rights are being protected and promoted, they must take into cognizance that they also have responsibilities to promote the advancement of their communities.
The Women's Head of Moyamba Town, Marie Mustapha, lauded the Commission’s work in protecting and promoting the rights of all, especially women.
She said the session provided the platform for them to channel issues affecting the full enjoyment of their rights and that they are ready to change the narrative through continuous engagements hoping that it will not be a one-off activity because residents need to know more about their rights and responsibilities.
Over the two days in each location, the Commission receive complaints directly from community members, engage local authorities and stakeholders on the Commission’s mandate and complaints handling mechanism, and monitor places of detention and health facilities.
The mobile complaints hearing, which started since 2016, aims to increase awareness, receive and resolve complaints faster, and bridge the gap between the Commission and hard-to-reach communities.
A total of six (6) complaints were received in Moyamba Town, and four (4) in Blama Town. They ranged from deprivation of property, denial of justice, end of service benefit, and unequal protection before the law.
HRCSL firmly believes that development must also mean protecting human dignity and ensuring everyone, no matter where they live, can access justice.
©HRCSL Communications Team