The Sierra Leone Law Students Association (SLeLSA) is set to host its inaugural national conference themed “Environmental Justice in the Era of Climate Change.” This landmark event comes at a crucial time as Sierra Leone faces the severe repercussions of climate change, disproportionately affecting the country’s most vulnerable communities.
SLeLSA, which represents law students nationwide, is dedicated to advancing the professional development of future Sierra Leonean lawyers. The association aims to enhance awareness among students and legal practitioners regarding the intricate relationship between environmental issues, human rights, and social justice. Through this conference, SLeLSA hopes to inspire active participation in addressing the environmental and legal challenges currently confronting Sierra Leone.
As climate change intensifies, the legal sector’s role in crafting policies that protect communities from environmental harm has become increasingly vital. The conference will underscore the profound effects of climate-related changes on essential rights, such as access to clean water, food security, and safe housing—areas increasingly threatened by environmental degradation in Sierra Leone.
The event will also delve into the disparities between international human rights standards, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and Sierra Leone’s existing national laws, which have struggled to keep pace with escalating environmental threats.
Bringing together legal experts, policymakers, environmental activists, and global authorities, the conference aims to explore reforms in Sierra Leone’s legal framework that would enhance environmental protections and ensure justice for communities impacted by climate change. A key focus will be on bolstering legal accountability for environmental harm while promoting sustainable development initiatives.
A highlight of the conference will be a keynote address by Alhaji Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Chair of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security. Dr. Yumkella, a prominent advocate for climate policy, will emphasize the importance of prioritizing climate action in Sierra Leone and integrating environmental justice into national strategies.
This conference marks a significant milestone in SLeLSA’s mission to foster a legal community responsive to the challenges posed by climate change on both national and global scales. By equipping law students with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective legal advocacy, SLeLSA aims to inspire policies that advance environmental justice for all Sierra Leoneans.
