In a significant step towards enhancing the flow of information within the justice sector, the Justice Sector Communications Team (JSCT) convened its maiden meeting and pledged to develop a structured and coordinated approach to sector-wide communication. The cross-sectoral team is made up of representatives from the Sierra Leone Judiciary, the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, the Office of the National Security, the Legal Aid Board, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Law Reform Commission, the Sierra Leone Law School, the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, the Independent Police Complaint Board, the Sierra Leone Correctional Service, the Office of the Administrator and Registrar General, the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Justice Sector Coordination Office. Chaired by Mr. Shahid M. Korjie, Coordinator of the Justice Sector Coordination Office (JSCO), the meeting focused on key strategies for improving public outreach, media engagement, and internal information sharing among justice institutions.

One of the major resolutions from the meeting was the reintroduction of the Justice Sector Newsletter – The Justice Sector Limelight, which will serve as a quarterly publication highlighting developments across justice sector institutions. The team agreed that the maiden edition will feature profiles of all institutional heads, acknowledging that some have recently assumed new roles or obtained additional academic qualifications. To facilitate this, all focal persons were tasked with submitting updated profiles by next Friday, 14^th March, 2025.

To ensure quality and consistency in the newsletter’s production, an editorial team was formed, led by Elkas Sannoh as Editor-in-Chief, with Abubakarr Turay Esq, David Y. Kabia Esq, Mousa Kai-Samba Esq and Millicent Kargbo serving as editors. Additionally, the team was charged with determining the appropriate length, format, and content structure of the newsletter. To maintain momentum and track progress, members resolved to hold bi-monthly meetings, with the JSCO serving as the coordination hub for all future communications engagements.

In an effort to bridge the gap between justice institutions and the public, the JSCO Coordinator proposed the launch of a TV program titled “The Justice Hour,” designed to educate citizens on justice-related matters. The team fully endorsed the initiative, agreeing that the program should be broadcast live to allow for real-time public engagement. It was further decided that each session will feature designated moderators, with representatives from different institutions taking turns in this role.

Mr. David Y. Kabia, representative of the Law Reform Commission, stressed the importance of focal persons serving as moderators, stating: “The focal persons are in full knowledge of the issues within their institutions.”

The meeting also emphasized the need for increased justice sector visibility beyond Freetown. Daniel J. Lavally Esq, representative of the Sierra Leone Law School, highlighted the importance of extending justice-related communication to rural communities. As a result, the team agreed to leverage community-based radio stations to disseminate key legal messages, ensuring accessibility for all citizens. Additionally, team members will actively participate in town hall meetings across different provinces, providing direct engagement with local communities and addressing their concerns.

On legislative awareness, Mr. Lavally further recommended that the newly enacted Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) 2024 be prominently featured in the upcoming newsletter to inform judges, legal practitioners, and the general public of its provisions. This initiative is aimed at ensuring proper implementation and compliance with the new legal framework.

Recognizing the power of digital platforms in shaping public discourse, Mr. Elkas Sannoh, representative from the Judiciary, proposed the creation of official Facebook and Twitter accounts for the Justice Sector Communications Team to enhance media visibility. The proposal received strong backing from Julius J. Manley, representative of the Freetown Male Correctional Center, who emphasized “The more the platforms, the wider the coverage.”

The team unanimously approved the initiative, agreeing that social media channels will serve as key tools for showcasing justice sector activities, engaging with the public, and promoting transparency.

The Justice Sector Communications Team reaffirmed its commitment to fostering effective communication within the justice sector, ensuring public access to legal information, and promoting transparency in Sierra Leone’s justice system.