HRCSL Boosts Commissioners’ and Staff’s Knowledge on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights
The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has held a two-day training session for its commissioners and staff on December 12th and 13th, 2024, at Family Kingdom in Freetown. Organized in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the training aimed to enhance HRCSL’s capacity to monitor sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) and gender-based violence (GBV) from a human rights perspective.
The session focused on equipping HRCSL personnel with the tools and knowledge to assess SRHR and gender equality, aligning their work with international human rights standards and national legislation. A key part of the training was developing an action plan to advocate for policies promoting SRHR and gender equality.
HRCSL’s Executive Secretary, Joseph Kamara, emphasized the importance of the training for the Commission’s advocacy efforts and the elimination of harmful practices in Sierra Leone. He expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership with UNFPA, which has been instrumental in advancing these goals.
Dr. Dan Okoro, UNFPA’s Technical Specialist, highlighted the importance of empowering both HRCSL staff and the communities they serve to understand and demand their rights.
This training is a critical step in Sierra Leone’s efforts to address high maternal mortality rates, limited reproductive health services, and gender inequality, with HRCSL playing an active role in holding the government accountable for policy implementation. The collaboration with UNFPA represents a significant stride in advancing SRHR and gender equality in the country.
