Promoting and Institutionalizing Human and Peoples’ Rights in Sierra Leone Using the AU-TJP

By MRCG

Within the framework of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), the African Union (AU)’s shared values instruments, and pertinent international human rights agreements, this component comprises the development and institutionalization of a culture of human and peoples’ rights. A collapse of the rule of law and a disregard for human and peoples’ rights are common characteristics of situations that necessitate Transitional Justice (TJ). The foundation of TJ is the restoration of humanity and human dignity in interpersonal and intercommunal relationships.

The principle of Human and Peoples’ Rights plays a central role in the AUTJP, particularly in the Sierra Leonean context and its post-conflict recovery. The African Union’s Policy on the African Union aims to provide a framework for countries emerging from conflict to address past violations and promote peace, stability, and national reconciliation. In Sierra Leone, following a brutal civil war (1991-2002) that resulted in widespread atrocities, including forced labor, amputations, sexual violence, and other human rights violations, the AU’s TJ framework, including the Human and Peoples’ Rights principle, became essential to the country’s healing process.