The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has presented its latest Pre-Trial Detention Monitoring Report to the Sierra Leone Police, highlighting concerns over detention conditions and compliance with human rights standards in police facilities across the country.
The report was formally handed over on Thursday, 21 May 2026, to Deputy Inspector General of Police, Sahr Yomba Senesi, during a meeting held in Freetown.
According to the Commission, the monitoring exercise was conducted to commemorate Africa Pre-Trial Detention Day, observed annually on 25 April, and focused on assessing detention practices in line with international human rights standards and national laws.
Presenting the findings on behalf of the Commission, Mrs. Patricia Nasu Ndenema said the exercise was carried out under the mandate provided by Sections 7(2)(g) and 24(1) of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone Act No. 9 of 2004, which empowers the Commission to monitor and report on the human rights situation in the country.
The Commission stated that the assessment covered 12 police stations nationwide, with the objective of evaluating compliance with the Luanda Guidelines and other legal standards governing the treatment of persons held in pre-trial detention.
HRCSL disclosed that 12 monitoring teams were deployed across the Western, North-Western, Northern, Eastern and Southern regions. During the exercise, inspectors examined detention cells, sanitation and water facilities, and conducted interviews with Local Unit Commanders, crime officers, detention officers, and detainees.
A total of 332 detainees were interviewed, including 320 men, 10 women and two juveniles.
The report identified several concerns requiring urgent attention from police management, though specific recommendations were not immediately disclosed during the presentation.
Receiving the report, DIG Senesi commended the Commission for what he described as a comprehensive and inclusive assessment. He assured the delegation that the leadership of the Sierra Leone Police would carefully review the findings and work toward addressing the concerns raised in accordance with international best practices.
The presentation concluded with a group photograph involving officials of the Human Rights Commission and senior members of the Sierra Leone Police.
