Bank Complex, Kingtom, Freetown – Tuesday, 28 October 2025— Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has called for the full integration of human rights principles into the country’s climate change response, emphasizing that climate justice must be at the heart of national policies and programmes.
Speaking at the 1st National Conference on Human Rights and Climate Change, organized by the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) under the theme “Integrating the Human Rights-Based Approach into Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Measures and Programmes,” the Attorney General highlighted the deep connection between climate change and the enjoyment of fundamental human rights.
“In Sierra Leone, climate change is a lived reality of our people—not just statistics or distant targets,” he said.
“We acknowledge the strong interconnection between climate change and the enjoyment of human rights, and that’s why government will ensure that our laws, policies, and programmes reflect our deep commitment to climate justice and the protection of human rights”.
During the event, the Attorney General launched a groundbreaking report by the Commission titled “An Assessment of Climate Change-Related Laws and Policies and of Climate Change Impacts and Measures from a Human Rights Perspective.” The report offers critical analysis and recommendations to guide government institutions in adopting a Human Rights–Based Approach (HRBA) to climate mitigation and adaptation.
He commended the Commission for its proactive role in linking human rights with environmental governance and reaffirmed government’s resolve to ensure that climate policies remain inclusive, equitable, and aligned with international human rights standards and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The national conference brought together key stakeholders—including policymakers, civil society representatives, environmental advocates, and development partners—to discuss strategies for integrating human rights into climate action and ensuring that the most vulnerable communities are not left behind.
