The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL), with support from the Danish Institute for Human Rights, concluded a two-day National Conference on Human Rights and Climate Change, at the Bank of Sierra Leone Complex in Freetown. The theme of the conference on the 28th – 29th October 2025 was “Integrating Human Rights-Based Approach into Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Measures and Programmes.”
The conference gathered government representatives, policymakers, civil society organizations (CSOs), and community rights holders to examine the human rights implications of climate change. It featured statements of commitment from key stakeholders and a presentation by Maria Paterson of the Danish Institute for Human Rights on the intersection between human rights and climate change.
It also witnessed engaging panel discussions and presentations on a range of topics, including “NGOs’ Engagement on the Protection of Women and Children Impacted by Climate Change.” Participants also took part in a group exercise that focused on integrating a human rights-based approach into climate policies, laws, strategies, and programmes, guided by the recommendations of the HRCSL Climate Assessment Report.
Vice Chairperson Victor Idrissa Lansana Esq. led discussions on HRCSL’s report on the Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on Human Rights in selected communities, presenting key findings and recommendations.
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Alpha Sesay Esq., launched the joint HRCSL-Danish Institute report. In his remarks, Minister Sesay underscored that climate change is not merely an environmental concern but a pressing human rights issue, urging all sectors to adopt a rights-based approach in climate policies and programs. He emphasised that the report offers critical guidance for integrating climate justice into national frameworks and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the crisis.
HRCSL Chairperson, Mrs. Patricia Narsu Ndanema, highlighted the Commission’s nationwide efforts to raise awareness of how climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable groups such as farmers, women, children, and fishing communities. She expressed that the conference provides a vital platform for dialogue between duty bearers and non-state actors, fostering collaboration toward sustainable climate and human rights solutions.
The conference concluded with participants commending HRCSL for creating an inclusive platform to learn, interact, and share experiences on the human rights implications of climate change and its growing impact on communities across Sierra Leone.
©️HRCSL Communications Team