Freetown, 10th December 2025– The Delegation of the European Union in Sierra Leone on Wednesday commemorated International Human Rights Day under the theme “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials” with a ceremony at its office on Leicester Peak, Freetown.
The event brought together civil society representatives, media practitioners, human rights defenders, and other human rights actors to reflect on the state of rights and freedoms in Sierra Leone and globally.
Delivering the keynote, Ambassador Jacek Jankowski, Head of the EU Delegation, underscored the universality and indivisibility of human rights, stressing that they remain central to the European Union’s policies both internally and abroad.
“Human rights underpin the way we live together in society. They exist to safeguard human dignity at all times. They are universal, indivisible, and interdependent. Every person is entitled to them without exception,” he said.
Ambassador Jankowski noted that 2025 marks 80 years since the adoption of the UN Charter, but warned that its principles are now “under the heaviest fire since their inception.” He pointed to diminishing trust in the Charter, rising hostility toward democracy, and shrinking space for fundamental freedoms.
He also expressed concern over disinformation, manipulation of information, and pushback against gender equality and diversity, which he said were undoing years of progress worldwide.
At the heart of these challenges, he emphasized, lies the pursuit of peace. “Peace is not simply the absence of war. It is the active cultivation of justice, the protection of the most vulnerable, the realization of all human rights, and the commitment to dialogue and reconciliation,” Jankowski stated. He highlighted Sierra Leone’s Agreement for National Unity and electoral reforms as crucial steps toward sustaining peace.
The Ambassador reaffirmed EU support for accountability and international justice, saying:
“Fundamental to peace is respect for international humanitarian law and accountability for human rights violations. This is why we stand by the International Criminal Court and the principles enshrined in its statute.”
He cited ongoing conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Middle East, and Ukraine as examples where human rights must be protected from the outset of peace processes.
Speaking at the event, Musa Sangarie, Programme Manager for BBC Media Action in Sierra Leone, said the organisation was honoured to join the EU Delegation in marking the occasion. He noted that BBC Media Action has worked with Sierra Leonean journalists and media houses for over two decades, supporting independent and inclusive media. Sangarie stressed that freedom of expression and a safe, professional press are vital human rights enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and essential for democracy, accountability, and social progress. He commended Sierra Leone’s progress in press freedom, citing its rise to 56th place in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index.
Sangarie also warned of growing threats posed by misinformation and disinformation, particularly during elections, which undermine trust in journalism, justice, and democratic institutions.
He highlighted risks such as hate speech, targeted falsehoods, and the misuse of “fake news” accusations to silence critics, adding that the rise of artificial intelligence further complicates these challenges. He underscored the importance of continued investment in the media sector and expressed gratitude to the EU for funding the MEDIA project, which BBC Media Action leads with partners to address these issues.
Other partners, including International IDEA, IRN, Talking Drum Studios, National Elections Watch, and the 50/50 Group, also made contributions during the commemoration, sharing success stories from EU‑funded projects and activities.
Their testimonies highlighted how EU support has strengthened democratic participation, advanced gender equality, improved civic education, and empowered communities across Sierra Leone.
Ambassador Jankowski concluded by stressing the EU’s commitment to empowering those on the frontlines of human rights advocacy.
“If the European Union, founded on these principles, does not stand up for them, who will?” he asked. Quoting the EU High Representative’s message for Human Rights Day 2025, he reminded participants:
“Human rights are a life experienced and often challenged in the routines of daily lives. In classrooms, workplaces, public services, and online spaces, they protect how we express worship, organize love, and participate in our communities every single day. They belong to everyone and everywhere.”
