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Attorney General and Minister of Justice Alpha Sesay has engaged officials at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to strengthen justice systems and promote the rule of law, reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to adopting emerging technologies within an ethical and rights-based framework.
The discussions, held on the sidelines of the Minister’s engagements in the French capital, focused on UNESCO’s global efforts to support the ethical and responsible application of AI in judicial and legal institutions. The meeting also explored opportunities for closer collaboration as Sierra Leone advances its ongoing justice sector reform programme.
According to the Minister, Artificial Intelligence is increasingly transforming the administration of justice through its use in legal research, case management, evidence analysis and judicial administration.
He noted that while AI presents significant opportunities to improve the efficiency, accessibility and quality of justice services, its adoption must be guided by strong safeguards that protect due process, judicial independence, transparency, accountability and fundamental human rights.
The engagement also highlighted UNESCO’s AI, Justice and Rule of Law programme, which is designed to strengthen the capacity of judicial officers and legal institutions to integrate AI technologies in a manner that is ethical, rights-based and consistent with international standards.
Sesay reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to participating actively in global initiatives aimed at promoting the responsible use of AI within the justice sector. He stressed that technological innovation must be accompanied by sound governance and principled leadership to ensure that digital transformation enhances, rather than undermines, the administration of justice.
He further stated that the Government intends to deepen its collaboration with UNESCO to ensure that Artificial Intelligence is harnessed responsibly to improve justice delivery, strengthen public confidence in state institutions and reinforce the rule of law across Sierra Leone.
