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HRC63: Sierra Leonean human rights defenders call for national legislation to strengthen their protection
On 28 October 2026, a delegation from the Government of Sierra Leone presented its fourth report under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) to the Human Rights Council (HRC). Of the 310 recommendations received, Sierra Leone took note of 39 and accepted 271 of which 19 on the protection of human rights defenders (HRD) and their working environment.
During the UPR adoption of Sierra Leone at the 63rd session of the HRC, Alphonsus Gbanie from Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone delivered a statement on the current situation of HRD in the country following the joint report submission with International Service for Human Rights (ISHR).
The statement denounced the attacks and intimidations that persists against HRD, journalists, women activists and political dissenters. Gbanie also expressed his concerns on provisions of the cybersecurity legislation that continue to put freedom of expression under threats.
Gbanie also highlighted the case of imprisonment of activist Zainab Sheriff, the detention of artist Hawa Hunt for speech-related offences, and the arbitrary detention and judicial harassment of defenders Prince Tommy Williams and Mohamed Turay. Finally, its was recommended that the State party, in line with its international obligations:
- Adopt the national legislation on the recognition and the protection of HRD.
- Protect human rights defenders from intimidation and harassment, and ensure that police and other state institutions facilitate, rather than obstruct, legitimate human rights work.
- Respect and protect civic space according to international standards and the commitment of the state party.
The full video statement is available here