Hassan Juana Koroma in Pujehun
On March 14, 2024, Land for Life, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Human Rights Commission, hosted a day-long stakeholders engagement at the Pujehun District Council Hall along Jah section.
The event aimed to gather input and perspectives from various stakeholders on land governance and human rights issues within the district.
Addressing the participants, Bangs Komba Lebbie, National Coordinator of Land for Life, emphasized the engagement's significance in capturing stakeholders' diverse perspectives on land governance and human rights.
The event also highlighted the ongoing efforts of their organization in conducting data collection on land governance.
Mr. Lebbie further emphasized that the previous land laws in Sierra Leone had disadvantaged certain groups. For instance, people from Creole backgrounds in Freetown were not allowed to own land in the provinces, and women were denied the right to own land. However, the new land laws implemented in 2021 have brought clarity to the issue of land ownership, specifying who should have the right to own land.
The National Land policy also explicitly stated that land-holding families now have the authority to make decisions regarding their land. This policy shift aims to empower families to exercise control over their land and promote responsible land utilization practices.
George Julius Kamara, another participant at the event, described the stakeholder's engagement as a step in the right direction. During the training session, facilitators provided insights into the Customary Land Right Act and the historical context of Sierra Leone's land laws. Kamara further highlighted the significance of the new land laws, which clearly outline guidelines for properly utilizing land in Sierra Leone.
Kamara urged all participants to implement the knowledge gained during the engagement in their respective roles and emphasized the importance of responsible land management in various contexts.
The stakeholder's engagement on land governance and human rights issues in Pujehun District marked a significant milestone in Sierra Leone's ongoing efforts to promote equitable land ownership and responsible land utilization. The collaboration between Land for Life and the Sierra Leone Human Rights Commission signifies a commitment to ensuring that land rights are protected and that all individuals have equal opportunities to own and utilize land for sustainable development.
The insights and perspectives gathered during this engagement will inform the development of new land laws and policies that uphold the principles of fairness, inclusivity, and human rights in Sierra Leone's land governance framework.
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