September 20, 2016 By Ibrahim Tarawallie
The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone has been re-accredited as a Grade ‘A’ National Human Rights institution by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI).
The disclosure was made by HRC-SL Chairperson, Brima A. Sheriff, during the official welcome of a delegation from the Liberia Independent National Human Rights Commission, who are in the country on a study tour.
The Commission is the only National Human Rights institution in the Manor River Union and one of only four in West Africa with a Grade ‘A’ status.
In 2011, HRCSL was accredited an ‘A status’ by the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions (which is now the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions) for the promotion and protection of Human Rights. The accreditation certificate confirms that HRCSL was fully in compliance with the Paris Principles governing the establishment and operations of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs).
In his statement, Mr. Sheriff said their re-accreditation meant that they are operating in accordance with their mandate and also playing a crucial role in promoting and monitoring the effective implementation of international human rights standards at national level.
“We are proud of this great achievement as the only NHRI in the Mano River Union as well as among the only four in west Africa with a Grade A status,” he said.
He used the opportunity to call on government and partners to not only celebrate with them but also work towards improving on their commitment.
The 1993 UN Paris Principles provide international benchmarks for the establishment and operations of effective and independent NHRIs. The ICC, with support from OHCHR, reviews and accredits NHRIs on the basis of the UN Principles every five years. The status of HRCSL will be reviewed again in 2016.