Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has raised fresh concern over what it describes as dangerous levels of overcrowding in the nation’s correctional centres, cautioning that the situation poses serious risks to human rights, inmate welfare, and effective law enforcement.
The warning follows the release of the Commission’s new nationwide assessment, “Human Rights Behind Bars”, launched at J.C. Hall in Freetown. Supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the study was conducted between 2 and 24 September 2025 across 20 correctional facilities in all five regions.
According to the report, the persistent overcrowding remains the most critical challenge, with several facilities housing far more inmates than they were designed to accommodate.
The Commission attributed the crisis partly to delays in indictment, prolonged trial periods, and the continued detention of individuals who are unable to meet bail or fine requirements. It also flagged the lack of proper prisoner separation and classification as a key factor worsening congestion.
“Many of our correctional centres are struggling with overcrowding, sanitation constraints, and logistical shortages,” said Lamin Bangura, Director of Policy, Planning, and Legal Services at the Sierra Leone Correctional Service. “These challenges undermine not only inmate welfare but also the safety and operational capacity of our officers.”
The assessment further identified shortages in food, toiletries, and rehabilitation programmes, noting that female inmates, particularly those housed outside Freetown and Kailahun—are disproportionately affected.
UNDP Senior Rule of Law and Human Rights Officer, Alie B. Sesay, praised HRCSL for confronting an issue he described as “necessary but difficult,” emphasising that exposing conditions inside correctional centres is essential for meaningful reform.
HRCSL Vice Chairperson, Victor Idrissa Lansana, urged authorities to respond decisively.
“This report raises concerns that matter to every Sierra Leonean. The government must treat its recommendations with urgency,” he stressed.
Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, David Fortune, acknowledged the need for swift action and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing overcrowding and improving conditions across the system.
“No nation can claim progress if its correctional centres remain behind,” he said.
