The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Thursday, 23 July 2026, ratified seven international agreements and treaties aimed at strengthening the country’s legal framework on intellectual property, culture, accessibility, and international cooperation.

The agreements, which were laid before Parliament on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., are expected to enhance the protection of creators’ rights, promote access to knowledge, and align Sierra Leone’s laws with international standards.

The seven ratified treaties are the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances (2012), the Marrakech Treaty (2013), the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (1886), the Brussels Convention (1974), the Madrid Agreement (1891), the Geneva Convention (1971), and the Rome Convention (1961).

Presenting the agreements to Parliament, Attorney General Alpha Sesay said the ratifications are intended to strengthen the rights of creators and ensure they receive fair recognition and compensation for their creative works.

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Speaking on the Marrakech Treaty, he explained that it would significantly improve access to published materials for blind and partially sighted persons by facilitating the cross-border exchange of accessible-format books and other publications. He noted that the treaty provides a legal framework for reproducing and distributing works in accessible formats, authorizes designated institutions to produce copies for non-commercial lending or electronic distribution, and requires member states to incorporate copyright exceptions for accessible materials.

According to the Attorney General, the treaty will help address the global shortage of accessible books, commonly referred to as the “book famine,” while promoting an inclusive society where persons with visual impairments have equal access to information and culture.

On the Berne Convention, Sesay observed that although Sierra Leone is not yet a member, many of its provisions are already reflected in the country’s Copyright Act of 2011. He said full membership would further strengthen copyright protection and expand the country’s access to international copyright benefits.

During the debate, Hon. Joseph Williams Lamin of Bo District urged the government to ensure that information about the treaties is widely disseminated so that citizens understand their significance and benefits.

Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, welcomed the ratifications, describing them as an important step towards globalization and the protection of intellectual property. He said the Marrakech Treaty would help eliminate discrimination against visually impaired persons, while the Rome and Geneva Conventions would provide stronger protection for the country’s entertainment industry. He also called for nationwide public sensitization and greater engagement with Members of Parliament.

Concluding the debate, Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, said the ratifications were consistent with the constitutional mandates of both the President and Parliament. He described the Beijing Treaty as essential for protecting audiovisual performances and promoting fair competition, while highlighting the Marrakech Treaty as a significant instrument for improving cross-border access to accessible publications.

Lamina also raised concerns over piracy and plagiarism, calling for stronger copyright enforcement mechanisms and adequate support to enable Members of Parliament to educate their constituents on the newly ratified treaties.

Lawmakers across the House generally welcomed the agreements, describing them as a major step toward protecting creators, promoting access to knowledge, and bringing Sierra Leone’s legal framework into closer alignment with international standards.

The treaties will now proceed to the domestication stage before becoming part of Sierra Leone’s national laws.

Responding to the debate, Attorney General Alpha Sesay highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and promote intellectual property protection in Sierra Leone.