Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone

Summary

Established by Act No. 9 of 2004. Five members (Chairman, Vice-Chairman, three others) appointed by the President subject to Parliamentary approval after selection by a multi-stakeholder panel (s.3); must include at least two lawyers and two women. Five-year term, one renewal; removal on the same standard as a High Court judge (for cause, s.4(3)(g)). Budget is a Parliamentary line item (s.21). The Commission holds full High Court-equivalent powers to summon witnesses and compel document production (s.8(1)(a)). Section 9 grants express statutory access to all prisons, police cells, remand homes, and probation facilities plus non-classified government documents, but presidential security certification can restrict access (s.9(2)) — hence 'restricted'. The Commission investigates human rights violations independently but issues recommendations only; it cannot itself impose internal discipline on officers. Annual 'State of Human Rights' report submitted to President and Parliament and then published (s.24). No pre-publication review required (s.14 independence clause).