Human rights commission interacts with head of climate , renewable energy & food security unit

A team from the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) led by the Vice Chairperson and Oversight Commissioner for the Directorate of Climate Change and Information Service, Victor Idrissa Lansana Esq. Tuesday, 5 th March , 2024 paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella at his office at State House.

The purpose of the visit was to apprise Dr. Yumkella on the work of HRCSL in relation to climate change and human rights and to chart the way forward for possible collaboration and partnership between the two institutions in addressing climate change issues.

In his statement, the Vice Chairperson, Victor Idrissa Lansana Esq. informed Dr. Yumkella that the Directorate was established in 2023 to play a lead role in climate change issues by effectively monitoring human rights issues around climate change.

He spoke briefly on the mandate and functions of the Commission and mentioned several rights that are connected to climate change including the rights to life, health, clean and safe environment, food and education, among others.

He noted that climate change is real, which is why concrete steps must be taken to ensure that its impacts and effects on the enjoyment of human rights are mitigated, adding that the Commission believes that there is clear link between climate change and human rights.

“We are very happy as a Commission that you have occupied this office and we believe that we will be able to work together in ensuring that climate change is something we can mitigate,” he said.

Responding, Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella welcomed the establishment of a directorate to look at climate change issues and the possibility of a partnership, and noted “Indeed there are rights issues connected to climate change.”

He mentioned the completion of the first draft of their strategic plan, which they will probably send to the Commission to look at and see how they can include elements of their work.

Dr. Yumkella requested the Commission to draft a Memorandum of Understanding with regards the proposed partnership, and spoke on how the two institutions can collaborate in doing public education on Energy as it relates to women, as well as drafting a Climate Change Act.

Present during the engagement were the Deputy Executive Secretary, Frederick Ibrahim Kamara, Director of Programmes, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Mohamed Kuyateh, Director of Climate Change and Information Services, Abu Bakarr Kamara and other staff from the Directorate.