Bank Complex, Kingtom, Freetown – Tuesday, 28 October 2025 — Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has emphasized the need for full integration of human rights principles into Sierra Leone’s climate change response. He highlighted that climate justice must be at the heart of national policies and programs during the 1st National Conference on Human Rights and Climate Change.
The conference, organized by the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL), focused on the theme “Integrating the Human Rights-Based Approach into Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Measures and Programmes.” The Attorney General noted that climate change is not just a statistical issue but a lived reality for Sierra Leoneans, deeply connected to the enjoyment of fundamental human rights.
Key Points from the Attorney General’s Address:
– Climate Change and Human Rights: The government recognizes the strong interconnection between climate change and human rights, ensuring laws, policies, and programs reflect commitment to climate justice and human rights protection.
– Report Launch: The Attorney General launched a report titled “An Assessment of Climate Change-Related Laws and Policies and of Climate Change Impacts and Measures from a Human Rights Perspective,” providing critical analysis and recommendations for adopting a Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) to climate mitigation and adaptation.
– Government Commitment: The government is committed to ensuring climate policies are inclusive, equitable, and aligned with international human rights standards and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The national conference brought together policymakers, civil society representatives, environmental advocates, and development partners to discuss strategies for integrating human rights into climate action. The goal is to ensure the most vulnerable communities are not left behind in climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. The Attorney General commended the HRCSL for its proactive role in linking human rights with environmental governance.
