By Elizabeth Kamara
Participants present during the training
The Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone (HRDN-SL) organized a two-day training session on December 4th and 5th, 2024, focusing on the theme “Building Resilience, Inclusiveness, and Capacity for Human Rights in Sierra Leone.”
Held at the CCSL Hall, Kingharman Road, Freetown, the training brought together participants from across the country to enhance their skills in digital and physical security management and risk assessment.
Facilitated by Stephen Gitahi Githuku from Kenya, the program emphasized the significance of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, which recognizes the rights and freedoms of individuals advocating for human rights.
Githuku highlighted the risks faced by those who challenge power and speak out against injustices, underscoring the legal protections that states are obligated to provide under international and regional frameworks.
“Africa’s governance challenges remain significant, but human rights defenders play a pivotal role in creating solutions,” Githuku noted. He further emphasized the need for an enabling environment where defenders can operate safely and effectively.
Anselm Desmond Nicol, Project Manager of HRDN-SL, explained that the training aimed to equip participants with essential skills to strengthen digital and physical security practices, develop risk assessment capabilities to identify, analyze, and mitigate threats, protect sensitive data and manage online security effectively.
“The knowledge gained will empower participants to safeguard themselves against digital threats like hacking, which has become increasingly common,” Nicol said. He encouraged attendees to act as ambassadors, sharing their knowledge widely to foster a culture of safety and resilience within their communities.
Josephus Lebbie, a representative from the Embassy of Ireland in Sierra Leone, commended the initiative and aligned it with Ireland’s foreign and development cooperation policy, which prioritizes justice, human rights, and the rule of law.
He noted Ireland’s ongoing support for legislative and policy reforms to strengthen human rights protections in Sierra Leone.
“We have collaborated with HRDN-SL to enhance the safety, security, and advocacy capabilities of human rights defenders,” Lebbie stated. He reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s government in implementing recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review and developing legislation that protects human rights defenders.
Mariama Jalloh, a regional coordinator and participant, expressed gratitude for the training, emphasizing its transformative impact. “This program has deepened my understanding of the UN Charter on human rights defenders. It has also empowered me to educate others about protecting their digital rights and understanding global human rights principles,” she said.
Other participants echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of the training in addressing challenges like intimidation and risks faced by human rights advocates.
Despite advancements, Lebbie acknowledged that significant challenges remain, including the need to update Sierra Leone’s laws to align with evolving global human rights standards. He called for practical advocacy and implementation strategies to enhance the rule of law and ensure justice and equality for all.
The training concluded with participants committing to sharing their knowledge and advocating for stronger protections for human rights defenders nationwide.
