By Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S
FREETOWN — The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has declared a human rights emergency in Sierra Leone’s correctional facilities, reporting 20 preventable deaths since March 2026, more than 1,000 inmates awaiting trial and seven nursing infants living in what it described as “toxic cells.”
In a press release issued on 19 October 2026, following a monitoring mission on 14 October at the Freetown Male Correctional Centre on Pademba Road and the New England Female Correctional Centre, the organisation raised alarm over overcrowding, prolonged pre-trial detention, alleged medical neglect and poor welfare conditions.
CHRDI, which holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), accused the Government of failing to uphold constitutional protections and international human rights obligations.
According to CHRDI’s findings, Pademba Road holds 2,016 male inmates despite having an original capacity of 324, while the New England Female Centre officially records over 184 detainees, though monitors counted over 200.
The group’s audit identified 1,052 inmates awaiting trial, including 481 allegedly held without formal indictments, 108 inmates with trial delays dating back to 2016, and 172 remand detainees awaiting committal since 2020.
It also reported 20 preventable deaths since March 2026 — 13 inside facilities and seven in hospitals — attributed to severe anaemia, chronic malnutrition and untreated infections. The mission identified 18 active tuberculosis patients held without clinical isolation and 48 inmates living with HIV/AIDS.
At New England, CHRDI reported seven nursing infants and toddlers living in “toxic” conditions, including three born while their mothers were in custody.
CHRDI has called for an independent audit of correctional facilities, urgent judicial reviews, relocation of nursing mothers and infants, and the release of persons jailed over minor fines.
The Government had not publicly responded to the allegations as of the time of CHRDI’s statement.
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