Human Rights Defenders Network

02/07/2026

HRDN-SL Condemns Alleged Torture of Civilians by Military Personnel in Moyamba District

According to information received from HRDN-SL’s regional office in Moyamba, two men were reportedly apprehended after being accused of stealing fertiliser while working as casual labourers on a local farm. They were allegedly subjected to severe physical abuse, including beatings, chaining, intimidation, and coercion to confess to the alleged theft.

HRDN-SL has reviewed a video recording that appears to capture part of the incident. The footage appears to show the two men chained to a metal frame on the ground and repeatedly struck by uniformed military personnel with sticks and other objects, as they cry out in pain. The treatment depicted in the footage, if verified, bears no resemblance to any lawful arrest or detention procedure and appears to be consistent with allegations of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment are prohibited under all circumstances. Sierra Leone’s Constitution guarantees every person the right to dignity and protection from inhuman treatment. Sierra Leone is also a State Party to the Convention Against Torture and other international human rights instruments that prohibit this conduct without exception and require States to take active measures to prevent, prosecute and punish violations.

Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone (HRDN-SL) expresses deep concern and condemnation following reports of the alleged torture and inhuman treatment of two civilians by members of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) in Senehun, Kamajei Chiefdom, Moyamba District.

30/06/2026

HRDN-SL Calls for Urgent Investigation into Alleged Human Rights Violations against Lifeline Nehemiah Projects and the Kuntorloh Community.
The allegations arise in the context of an ongoing dispute concerning land lawfully owned by Lifeline, which is currently the subject of High Court proceedings and an interim injunction restraining interference with the property. Despite this, reported incidents involving the Sierra Leone Police and the Ministry of Social Welfare have intensified tensions and given rise to serious allegations of human rights violations.

FREETOWN, 30 JUNE 2026:  HRDN-SL Calls for Urgent Investigation into Alleged Human Rights Violations against Lifeline Nehemiah Projects and the Kuntorloh Community

15/06/2026

With The Lawyers' Society Sierra Leone – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

26/05/2026

HRDN Feature:- Rights group voices concern over Sierra Leone accepting U.S. deportees

https://english.news.cn/20260526/b25f64663eef423aa99b38b8806a92f2/c.html

26/05/2026

From 18 to 21 May 2026, the HRDN-SL team conducted a joint monitoring visit, alongside representatives from the Embassy of Ireland, to our regional offices in the Kenema, Moyamba, and Bombali districts.

HRDN-SL conducted a joint monitoring visit to our regional offices in the Kenema, Moyamba, and Bombali districts respectively, alongside representatives from the Embassy of Ireland from the 18 to 21 May, 2026.

25/05/2026

HRDN-SL Expresses Concern over Sierra Leone’s Agreement to Receive West African Deportees from the United States

The Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone (HRDN-SL) expresses grave concern over Sierra Leone’s agreement with the United States to receive deportees from across West Africa, following the arrival of the first group on 20 May 2026.

12/05/2026

HRDN-SL Calls for Extradition Agreement between Sierra Leone and the Netherlands

The Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone (HRDN-SL) is monitoring two ongoing cross-border matters involving Sierra Leone and the Netherlands, which raise important questions about international justice cooperation, public safety, and the need for clearer extradition frameworks between States.

Read the press release for more....

31/03/2026

The Human Rights Defenders Network-SL has called on the Inspector General of Police to take immediate and decisive action to ensure that all outstanding court orders are executed without further delay

The Human Rights Defenders Network-SL has called on the Inspector General of Police to take immediate and decisive action to ensure that all outstanding court orders are executed without further delay

18/03/2026

HRDN-SL is delighted to share a special video message from the Ambassador of Ireland to Sierra Leone, celebrating St Patrick’s Day.

We express our gratitude to the Irish Embassy and Irish Aid for their generous support of our organization. Ireland’s commitment to human rights has enabled HRDN-SL to carry out vital work across Sierra Leone, strengthening communities and advancing justice and dignity for all.

We are proud of what we have achieved together and look forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration.

Please watch and join us in celebrating!

HRDN-SL is delighted to share a special video message from the Ambassador of Ireland to Sierra Leone, celebrating St Patrick’s Day.We express our gratitude t...