HRCSL Hosts First National Conference on Human Rights and Climate Change
By Musa Kamara [Intern Reporter, Epic Radio]
The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has convened its First National Conference on Human Rights and Climate Change at the Bank of Sierra Leone Complex, Kingtom. The event, held under the theme “Integrating a Human Rights-Based Approach into Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Measures and Programmes,” brought together stakeholders to explore how climate action can align with the protection and promotion of human rights in Sierra Leone.
Justice Alpha Sesay, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, served as the keynote speaker. According to him, the conference is important because it seeks to address some of the most pressing and challenging issues climate change, natural resources, and by extension, human rights. He stated that the presence of so many participants clearly demonstrates that Sierra Leone recognizes that the climate crisis is not just an environmental problem but also a human rights crisis, with deep implications for justice and equity.
Justice Sesay emphasized that climate change is not a future threat but a present danger, as it poses risks to the enjoyment of human rights both now and for future generations. He explained that for Sierra Leone, climate change does not only mean hotter days and nights but also increased heat-related mortality, loss of labor productivity, and reduced output in water-dependent sectors such as agriculture. He also mentioned the expansion of slums, heavier storms, and landslides.
He warned that without action, a total of 26.4 square kilometers of Sierra Leone’s coastline could be lost to the sea by 2050. Sea levels are projected to rise, putting approximately 2.3 million citizens at risk of experiencing a one-meter rise along coastal areas a situation that could further strain the already challenged Sierra Leonean economy.
Justice Sesay noted that the United Nations General Assembly recognizes climate change as a serious threat to the enjoyment of human rights. Citing a UNICEF 2021 report, he described the climate crisis as a children’s rights crisis, highlighting that one billion children are at risk due to the impacts of climate change.
The Attorney General concluded by officially launching, on behalf of the President, the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone’s Report on Climate Change an assessment of climate change laws, policies, and impacts from a human rights perspective.
Patricia Nasu Ndanema, Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, recalled that in October 2022, following a thorough review of the Commission’s compliance statement in line with United Nations principles governing the operation of human rights institutions the Commission was accredited with “Grade A” status by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).
She explained that the main purpose of the conference is to move beyond isolated discussions and forge a unified national effort to address climate change issues affecting human rights. She added that GANHRI recognizes that climate change and its impacts directly or indirectly affect the full enjoyment of human rights.
Over the years, human rights activists have advocated for recognition of emerging human rights issues, including climate change. As a result, the Commission established the Directorate of Climate Change and Information Services in 2022. With support from the Danish Institute for Human Rights, the Commission and its staff have undergone capacity-building training on climate change and human rights to help address related issues.
Ms. Ndanema also mentioned that the Commission has developed analytical tools to assess climate change and has been engaging communities and stakeholders to raise awareness. She concluded that the main goal after the conference is to develop recommendations for climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Maria, a representative from the Danish Government and the Danish Institute for Human Rights, emphasized the dangers of climate change. According to her, climate change has negative impacts on children, adults, agriculture, and the country’s economy. She highlighted the importance of accountability, transparency, access to information, and non-discrimination in addressing these challenges.
Maria concluded by reaffirming the commitment of Denmark, the United Nations, and other related institutions to collaborate closely in tackling all climate change-related issues.
Adikulay King, Minister of the Western Area, stated that the theme of the event challenges everyone to pursue climate action that does not only focus on environmental science but also fulfills the moral and legal duty to protect people’s lives and dignity.
He noted that in the Western Region, there is a clear intersection between environmental degradation and human vulnerability, with inaction leading to coastal erosion in Aberdeen and Lumley, flooding in Lumley and Kroo Bay, and deforestation along the Peninsula.
He emphasized that the Ministry of the Western Region believes that a Human Rights-Based Approach to climate governance requires three key elements: accountability, inclusivity, and empowerment.
