CHRDI Calls Judiciary To Order

The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) has released a comprehensive court monitoring report that paints a troubling picture of the state of justice delivery in Sierra Leone, raising fresh concerns about access, efficiency, and fairness within the country’s legal system.

Covering court proceedings observed between October and November 2025, the report provides a detailed assessment of how systemic challenges continue to undermine the right of citizens to timely and fair justice. CHRDI’s findings suggest that for many litigants, the courtroom has become a place of prolonged waiting rather than resolution.

According to the report, court monitors documented widespread delays across several courts, with cases repeatedly adjourned due to the absence of lawyers, litigants, or witnesses. In many instances, cases could not proceed because legal representatives failed to appear or arrived unprepared, forcing magistrates and judges to postpone hearings that had already been scheduled weeks or months in advance.

CHRDI observed situations in which judges adjourned up to ten cases within a matter of minutes, not because of legal complexity, but simply due to non-appearance by counsel or parties to the cases. These rapid adjournments, the report notes, contribute to growing case backlogs and deepen public frustration with the justice system.

The report also highlights the disruptive impact of unannounced judicial trainings and workshops. While capacity-building for magistrates and judges is important, CHRDI found that some courts were adjourned at short notice to accommodate such trainings, without prior communication to litigants. As a result, court users—many of whom travel long distances and incur transportation costs—were left waiting for hours, only to be told that their cases would not be heard.

Beyond delays, the report draws attention to inadequate court facilities and accessibility barriers. CHRDI notes that overcrowded courtrooms, poor seating arrangements, and limited space for the public and legal practitioners further weaken the dignity of court proceedings. For persons with disabilities, the lack of ramps, clear signage, and basic support services makes access to justice even more difficult.

CHRDI warns that these persistent challenges risk eroding public confidence in the judiciary. When cases are repeatedly adjourned without clear explanations or timelines, litigants—particularly the poor and vulnerable—may abandon their pursuit of justice altogether, the report states.

The organization is calling for stronger coordination between the judiciary and the Sierra Leone Bar Association to address issues of lawyer absenteeism, as well as better scheduling and communication around judicial trainings. CHRDI also urges increased investment in court infrastructure and administrative efficiency to reduce delays and improve the overall court experience.

According to the report, meaningful reform is urgently needed to ensure that justice in Sierra Leone is not only delivered, but delivered promptly, transparently, and accessibly for all citizens.