UN Human Rights Delegation Meets Speaker Thomas Over Pending Treaty Ratifications
Sia Lucy Kannah A high-level delegation from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has engaged the Speaker of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, on the country’s progress towards ratifying additional international human rights conventions.
The engagement took place on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Parliament Building in Freetown, where the delegation discussed Parliament’s role in strengthening human rights protections and advancing Sierra Leone’s international treaty commitments.
Speaking during the meeting, UN Human Rights Representative Christian Mukosa explained that the delegation was in Sierra Leone primarily to participate in the upcoming Conference on Women and Security. However, he said they considered it important to meet with the leadership of Parliament, following a similar engagement at the Ministry of Justice.
Mukosa recognised Parliament’s important role in advancing human rights and called on Speaker Thomas to continue providing leadership in promoting the ratification of international human rights conventions
Benjamin Moreau, Deputy Regional Representative of the OHCHR West Africa Regional Office, based in Dakar, Senegal, also highlighted the organisation’s ongoing collaboration with Sierra Leonean authorities on human rights policies and reporting.
He disclosed that OHCHR was working closely with the Government to finalise key human rights reports, particularly those relating to the Convention Against Torture, which has already been ratified by Parliament, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Moreau further assured the Speaker that additional international conventions would soon be submitted to Parliament for ratification. He commended the legislature for passing progressive laws, particularly the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act of 2022, which he described as a significant achievement.
In response, Speaker Thomas reaffirmed the Sixth Parliament’s commitment to promoting human rights through progressive legislation and strengthening the country’s legal framework.
He highlighted several landmark laws passed by Parliament, including the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act and the Abolition of the Death Penalty, as evidence of Sierra Leone’s efforts to protect fundamental human rights.
The Speaker assured the delegation that Parliament remains prepared to review, enact and ratify additional international instruments aimed at promoting and protecting human rights.
He also highlighted women’s representation in the current Sixth Parliament, noting that women account for more than 30 percent of lawmakers. He said this reflects Sierra Leone’s commitment to gender inclusion, equality and democratic governance.