The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) welcomed a high-level delegation from the ECOWAS Court of Justice, led by its President, Hon. Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Gonçalves, at its Tower Hill headquarters in Freetown.
The visit focused on building a strong partnership between the two institutions, particularly around the enforcement of the Court’s human rights judgments and the Commission’s role in protecting rights in Sierra Leone.
Speaking on behalf of HRCSL, Vice Chairperson Victor Idrissa Lansana Esq. highlighted the shared mission of both bodies in promoting and protecting human rights. He expressed the Commission’s readiness to support the Court’s work, especially in matters affecting Sierra Leone.
The Vice President of the Court, Hon. Justice Sengu Koroma, thanked the Commission for the engagement and reaffirmed the Court’s dedication to justice and human rights across the region.
Mr. Apraku Nketiah, Head of Legal Services and Research at the Court, explained the Court’s shift from handling inter-state disputes to including human rights cases. He emphasized the importance of working with national institutions like HRCSL to raise awareness, enforce decisions, and support victims.
He also noted that enforcement of the Court’s rulings depends on member states, making local partnerships essential. The Court President added that many challenges arise from states failing to implement Court judgments, often due to a lack of political will.
Discussions also touched on HRCSL’s relationship with the central government and issues of funding and independence.
Both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration to enhance human rights protection and enforcement across the ECOWAS region.
