HRCSL Raises Red Flag Over Climate Change Impact on Communities

The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has warned that climate change is increasingly threatening fundamental rights, including access to water, food, shelter, healthcare and livelihoods, following recent research engagements in Moyamba and Kambia Districts.

With support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Irish Aid, the Commission’s Directorate of Climate Change and Information Services conducted field research in Gbangbatoke, Lower Banta Chiefdom, on August 18 and Mambolo Chiefdom on August 20.

The engagements brought together 40 participants, including local stakeholders, landowners, community leaders and residents directly affected by the impacts of climate change.

HRCSL Chairperson Mrs. Patricia Narsu Ndanema underscored the Commission’s constitutional mandate to protect and promote human rights, noting its origins in the 1999 Lomé Peace Agreement and the recommendations of the 2004 Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

She stressed that climate change has emerged as a systemic threat to human rights and called for stronger integration of climate concerns into national policies and human rights protection efforts.

The Commission’s Director, Mr. Abu Bakarr Kamara, said climate change should no longer be viewed solely as an environmental issue but also as a human rights concern that requires government accountability and stronger community resilience.

Community members also highlighted the direct impact of climate change on their livelihoods.

Paramount Chief Bai Sherbora N’Lion II said water erosion is disrupting farming activities and reducing crop yields, while the crops that survive are increasingly affected by pests.

“Water erosion is disturbing the farming system. Farmers no longer yield crops like they used to. The few crops that survived are eaten by pests,” he said.

The research findings will be analyzed and validated with relevant stakeholders before the publication of a comprehensive report, which is expected to inform national policies on climate change and human rights.