By Yusufu S. Bangura
HRCSL Chairperson
The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL), in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Irish Aid, has convened a consultative engagement with 40 key stakeholders to develop a National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights.
The two-day event, held at the Bombali District Council Hall in Makeni, brought together Members of Parliament (MPs), Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), District Human Rights Committees (DHRCs), companies, and civil society organizations (CSOs).
The engagement aimed to foster an inclusive and participatory approach to crafting the NAP while gathering valuable input from stakeholders to shape the document.
The NAP will serve as a comprehensive framework for addressing human rights issues in Sierra Leone’s business sector, fostering collaboration between public and private actors to uphold human rights principles.
HRCSL Chairperson, Mrs. Patricia Narsu Ndanema, emphasized the Commission’s expanded role in monitoring businesses and their impact on human rights. While recognizing the contributions of businesses through taxation and corporate responsibility, Mrs. Ndanema raised concerns about violations affecting citizens’ rights.
“The Commission remains optimistic about fostering a Sierra Leone where responsible businesses and human rights coexist for the benefit of all. We want businesses to operate in line with human rights standards,” she stated, adding that the process of developing the NAP is state-led, with the HRCSL acting as a facilitator.
Dignitaries present at the event
Representing UNDP, Senior Human Rights and Rule of Law Officer Alie B. Sesay highlighted the importance of creating a business environment that respects and promotes human rights. “The NAP will provide a framework to guide public and private sectors in aligning their business practices with human rights standards,” Sesay explained.
Irish Embassy Senior Governance Advisor, Josephus Ellie, expressed optimism about the consultation, noting its potential to increase awareness and gather meaningful input for the NAP’s development.
Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights, pledged Parliament’s full support for the NAP, advocating for an environment that protects the rights of citizens.
Technical expertise was provided by Dr. Nana Busia, a consultant, who presented on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Discussions covered the nature of businesses in Sierra Leone, key challenges, grievance mechanisms, and recommendations to address gaps.
The NAP builds on HRCSL’s previous baseline assessments in 2017 and 2021-2022, which identified the need for comprehensive policies to regulate actors within the investment sector.
The adoption of the NAP is expected to promote responsible business practices that uphold human rights, benefitting all stakeholders.
Participants provided critical contributions during plenary sessions, discussing challenges faced by businesses and their human rights obligations. The consultations are a step toward realizing a Sierra Leone where businesses contribute positively to development while safeguarding human rights.
The HRCSL and its partners are optimistic that the NAP will create a sustainable foundation for responsible business operations in Sierra Leone, ensuring that human rights are respected and protected across all sectors.
