HRCSL Pushes for Stronger Protection of Workers’ Rights in Sierra Leone
Aminata Koroma The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone(HRCSL) has called for stronger institutional collaboration to promote workers’ rights and address human rights concerns in workplaces and business operations across the country.
The call was made by the Commission’s Chairperson, Patricia Narsu Ndanema, during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Hon. Umaru Napoleon Koroma, where discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two institutions.
Ndanema highlighted the Commission’s ongoing development of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), noting that employment and labour relations form a key pillar of the proposed framework.
She stressed the importance of the Ministry’s involvement in the process, alongside other relevant institutions, to ensure that the plan effectively addresses workers’ rights and promotes responsible business practices.
The Commission also briefed the Minister on findings from its monitoring engagements with businesses and mining companies, highlighting the need to address human rights concerns within business operations.
In response, Minister Koroma acknowledged the strong relationship between labour administration and human rights protection, emphasising the importance of balancing employers’ interests with the rights and welfare of workers.
He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of the Employment Act, rather than limiting progress to the existence of legislation, while pledging the Ministry’s full support for deeper collaboration with the Commission.
Both institutions also underscored the importance of timely resolution of labour complaints and accessible redress mechanisms in preventing workplace disputes and promoting national peace and stability.
The engagement reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to advancing decent work, accountability in business operations and stronger protection of human rights in Sierra Leone.