By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

As part of its key mandate in human development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) in partnership with the International Communities Organisation (ICO), organized a two-day capacity building workshop on Universal Periodic Review (UPR) for over twenty Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in preparation for the 4th cycle of the universal periodic review in Sierra Leone.

The innovative event took place on Tuesday 14-15th October 2025, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Conference hall, Tower Hill in Freetown.

Momodu A. Wurie, acting Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation highlighted some of the positive impacts of the occasion to journalists and others, adding that the workshop and its consultation are significant steps in Sierra Leone’s preparation for the 4th cycle of the universal periodic review. This is the second universal periodic review of the country’s human record under the administration of President Julius Maada Bio.

“We are confident that this exercise will further contribute to strengthening Sierra Leone’s human rights institutions and polices. He said the review offers an opportunity to assess progress, identify gaps, and renew commitments to human rights protection and promotion. The universal periodic review, he added is the most comprehensive framework and progressive human rights institution in the globe.

In his statement, James Holmes, the Secretary General of International Communities Organisation said ICO was founded in England to promote capacity building and practical skills trainings of personnel, noting that their organisation gives great focus on national development context as the most crucial to the socioeconomic transformation of states. “You have been purposefully brought together as key voices with the responsibility of telling Sierra Leoneans story and emphasizing on the progress we have made in advancing and protecting human rights with the UPR reforms,” he said.

Meanwhile, Director M.S. Conteh Esq., a representative said the capacity building workshop and stakeholders’ consultation submit in Sierra Leone’s on national human rights report for the 4th cycle universal periodic review is critical for state-building. He said the workshop aimed at bringing more ideas and brainstorming on institutional framework.

“Thus, the essence of human rights reporting is for the government to self-monitoring its constitutional and treaty obligations in guaranteeing human rights for all in Sierra Leone and where necessary to review and update our laws, policies and practices in order to better respect, protect and promote the human rights of our citizens at all levels despite the challenges over the years,” he noted.