By Daily Scope Reporter
FREETOWN — Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, has launched the country’s first Training Manual and Mobile Courts Operational Manual for the handling of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases.
The launch ceremony took place on Tuesday, 28th October 2026, at the Judiciary Library in Freetown.
The two manuals were developed with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and are designed to serve as practical guides for judicial officers and justice sector institutions during mobile court sessions.
In his keynote address, Chief Justice Kamanda said geographical distance, bad road networks and transport challenges have long hindered access to justice, especially for vulnerable citizens.
He noted that mobile High Court sessions will help bring justice closer to the people, with particular focus on Falaba, Moyamba and Kailahun Districts.
The Chief Justice clarified that the manuals are not intended to replace the Constitution, legislation, court rules or lawful judicial orders. Instead, they will support the effective implementation of existing laws while respecting the independence of the Judiciary and the mandates of all justice sector institutions.
He stressed that justice delivery is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration among Judges, Registrars, Prosecutors, Defence Counsel, the Police, Correctional Service, Legal Aid Board and other stakeholders, each operating within its lawful mandate.
Chief Justice Kamanda urged participants to treat the manuals as working tools and not as documents to be shelved.
Officially declaring the one-day training open, he said: “When this training ends, our success should not be judged simply by attendance or the number of sessions completed.”
He said success must be measured by better preparation, stronger institutional cooperation, efficient case management, protection of confidentiality and greater accountability across the justice sector.
In his statement, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Kevin Petrini, said the manuals reinforce a survivor-centred approach to GBV cases, noting that survivors must be treated with dignity, respect, confidentiality and sensitivity throughout the judicial process.
“Through this manual, the Judiciary is also taking an important step towards enhancing the efficiency of justice delivery by clarifying roles, standardising procedures and strengthening coordination among institutions responsible for administering justice,” Mr. Petrini stated.
He congratulated Chief Justice Kamanda and the Judiciary for the achievement and expressed optimism that mobile courts will expand access to justice and reduce impunity nationwide.
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