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The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has raised concerns over the judiciary’s failure to adhere to principles of transparency and accountability, critical for any government institution aiming to achieve its objectives.
Since October 2024, CHRDI has formally requested information on the volume of cases assigned to each magistrate and judge from January to October 2024, invoking the Right to Access to Information Act of 2013.
However, the judiciary has failed to comply with this legal request, raising serious concerns about the integrity of Sierra Leone’s justice system.
The Right to Access to Information Act, enacted in 2013, mandates that public institutions provide information to the public, ensuring transparency and accountability. CHRDI’s requests were grounded in the belief that the judiciary must align with statutory laws in the country.
CHRDI points out that this non-compliance violates Section 120 (3) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, which states that, “In the exercise of its judicial functions, the Judiciary shall be subject only to this Constitution or any other law and shall not be subject to the control or direction of any other person or authority.” This legal provision underscores the judiciary’s responsibility to act in accordance with the laws it is meant to interpret.
In a letter received on January 27, 2025, the judiciary acknowledged CHRDI’s request, promising compliance. The judiciary attributed the delay to the ongoing transition following the change in the administration of the Judiciary, citing logistical challenges in settling into their new roles. Despite this, CHRDI has yet to receive the requested information, despite a prompt response to the judiciary’s letter within two working days.
The judiciary’s failure to honor its commitments and the lack of further communication has raised alarms about the state of the country’s legal system. According to the judiciary’s response, a Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers is in place but is currently available only in hard copy.
The judiciary promised that it would upload the document to their website once it is operational again, and that the requested information would be provided “within the shortest possible time.”
CHRDI’s concerns highlight the urgent need for judicial reforms that ensure adherence to laws governing transparency and accountability, especially as the country seeks to strengthen its justice system.
