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The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has launched a video documentary and report exposing the human rights implications of Kush, a synthetic drug driving a national public health and security crisis.
The launch, held at the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) conference room, brought together officials from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ministry of Health, Sierra Leone Correctional Service, Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the military, civil society organizations, and the media.
The documentary and report document the experiences of Kush users and their families, alongside insights from health workers and law enforcement officers. Findings highlight how current responses to Kush intersect with fundamental human rights, including the right to health, dignity, due process, and protection from cruel or degrading treatment.
Richard Tamba M’Bayo, HRCSL’s Director of Education, Communication and Training, presented the report’s findings, urging government action to tackle Kush and other synthetic drugs.
HRCSL Vice Chairperson Victor Idrissa Lansana noted the devastating impact of Kush, citing deaths among young people and the strain on rehabilitation centers. “The documentary shows our young people are being abused. The fight must be approached from a human rights perspective,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Justice, Madam Saptieu Saccoh, stressed that Kush abuse is tied to poverty, unemployment, trauma, social exclusion, and limited access to mental health and rehabilitation services. “Kush destroys the productive potential of a generation vital to Sierra Leone’s development,” she said, emphasizing the need for policy and legislative reforms informed by evidence.
Representatives from attending institutions pledged to collaborate with HRCSL to raise awareness, engage communities, and combat the drug.
The launch marks a critical step in reframing the Kush crisis as a human rights emergency, with HRCSL calling for a rights-based approach that emphasizes dignity, rehabilitation, and social justice alongside enforcement.
