Recognition, protection and promotion of human rights is fundamental to enabling individuals to live with freedom and dignity in contemporary society. In Sierra Leone, as in many other countries, these rights are enshrined in the Constitution, providing a legal foundation through which citizens can claim and enforce their entitlements, including through the courts. However, many people continue to face significant barriers to realising these rights, often due to limited awareness or a lack of accessible information on how to enforce them.
This booklet aims to help address these challenges. The Krio version which is the language spoken by the majority of Sierra Leoneans widens its reach. It offers a clear and accessible introduction to the concept of human rights, their origins, legal basis, and practical relevance for the people of Sierra Leone. Developed by the Centre for Human Rights (CHR) and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Rule of Law Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (KAS), the resource is designed in a comprehensible format to equip citizens with the knowledge and tools needed to understand and exercise their rights effectively.
By empowering individuals to translate constitutional protections into lived realities, CHR and KAS reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing dignity, freedom, and justice. This initiative forms part of a broader effort to strengthen the rule of law through civic education and public engagement. We are proud to present this booklet as a meaningful contribution to that ongoing mission.