Human Rights Defenders Network

Today, HRDN-SL’s Executive Secretary met with the Chief Electoral Commissioner, Mr Edmond Sylvester Alpha, to discuss opportunities for continued collaboration in the lead-up to the 2028 elections.

HRDN-SL has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone and values the opportunity to work constructively with electoral authorities while maintaining its independence and impartiality.

HRDN-SL looks forward to continuing this engagement and contributing its human rights expertise in support of fair and peaceful elections in Sierra Leone.

As the National Primary School Examination (NPSE) interviews commence today, grave concerns surround the plight and future of over 300 pupils whose results have been left out. Access to education is a fundamental human right, and no child should be left behind.

HRDN's Executive Director, Alphonsus B.M. Gbanie, will be live this morning on Epic Radio 99.3 FM to break down the human rights implications of this issue and advocate for the affected students. He will be joined by Sallieu M. Kamara, Ag. Head of Public Affairs for WAEC, in a panel hosted by Reginald Brian Sawyerr.

You can watch the live stream here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?mibextid=wwXlfr&ref=watch_permalink&v=1419347793426422&rdid=45zw5M7ZVTS524s4

HRDN-SL Condemns Alleged Torture of Civilians by Military Personnel in Moyamba District

According to information received from HRDN-SL’s regional office in Moyamba, two men were reportedly apprehended after being accused of stealing fertiliser while working as casual labourers on a local farm. They were allegedly subjected to severe physical abuse, including beatings, chaining, intimidation, and coercion to confess to the alleged theft.

HRDN-SL has reviewed a video recording that appears to capture part of the incident. The footage appears to show the two men chained to a metal frame on the ground and repeatedly struck by uniformed military personnel with sticks and other objects, as they cry out in pain. The treatment depicted in the footage, if verified, bears no resemblance to any lawful arrest or detention procedure and appears to be consistent with allegations of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment are prohibited under all circumstances. Sierra Leone’s Constitution guarantees every person the right to dignity and protection from inhuman treatment. Sierra Leone is also a State Party to the Convention Against Torture and other international human rights instruments that prohibit this conduct without exception and require States to take active measures to prevent, prosecute and punish violations.

HRDN-SL Condemns Alleged Torture of Civilians by Military Personnel in Moyamba District – HRDN-SL Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone (HRDN-SL) expresses deep concern and condemnation following reports of the alleged torture and inhuman treatment of two civilians by members of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) in Senehun, Kamajei Chiefdom, Moyamba District.

HRDN-SL Calls for Urgent Investigation into Alleged Human Rights Violations against Lifeline Nehemiah Projects and the Kuntorloh Community.
The allegations arise in the context of an ongoing dispute concerning land lawfully owned by Lifeline, which is currently the subject of High Court proceedings and an interim injunction restraining interference with the property. Despite this, reported incidents involving the Sierra Leone Police and the Ministry of Social Welfare have intensified tensions and given rise to serious allegations of human rights violations.

HRDN-SL Calls for Urgent Investigation into Alleged Human Rights Violations against Lifeline Nehemiah Projects – HRDN-SL FREETOWN, 30 JUNE 2026:  HRDN-SL Calls for Urgent Investigation into Alleged Human Rights Violations against Lifeline Nehemiah Projects and the Kuntorloh Community

With The Lawyers' Society Sierra Leone – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

HRDN Feature:- Rights group voices concern over Sierra Leone accepting U.S. deportees

https://english.news.cn/20260526/b25f64663eef423aa99b38b8806a92f2/c.html

From 18 to 21 May 2026, the HRDN-SL team conducted a joint monitoring visit, alongside representatives from the Embassy of Ireland, to our regional offices in the Kenema, Moyamba, and Bombali districts.

HRDN SL Conducts a Joint Field Visit With Irish Aid – HRDN-SL HRDN-SL conducted a joint monitoring visit to our regional offices in the Kenema, Moyamba, and Bombali districts respectively, alongside representatives from the Embassy of Ireland from the 18 to 21 May, 2026.