The Bo District Civil Society Forum, led by Chairman Joseph Blackie, has conducted a major cleaning operation at the Bo West Police cells, aimed at enhancing the living conditions for detainees. This initiative was carried out with the collaboration of the Development Action Centre for Sierra Leone (DACS-SL), the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, and the Sierra Leone Police.
The cleanup effort, designed to ensure detainees are held in a safe and sanitary environment, brought together members of civil society, health professionals, human rights advocates, and police officers, all working collectively to improve hygiene within the detention facility. The cells, used as temporary holding areas during investigations, were thoroughly cleaned as part of a commitment to uphold health standards and respect for detainees’ basic rights.
Joseph Blackie, who also serves as the Director of PRIDE-SL, emphasized the importance of humane conditions within all justice system facilities, including police detention cells. “Every person, regardless of their situation, deserves to be kept in a clean and dignified environment while their legal matters are resolved,” Blackie stated, underlining that the initiative reflects the Forum’s commitment to human rights and fair treatment.
Health officials from the Ministry of Health and Sanitation played a key role in the effort, providing expertise to ensure that health protocols were met, minimizing risks for detainees and facility staff alike. The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone praised the project, advocating for sustained improvements and underscoring the need for accountability in maintaining humane detention standards.
This coordinated sanitation effort at the Bo West Police cells signifies a growing movement within Bo District to improve conditions in detention facilities and reflects a broader mission to foster dignity and respect for detainees across Sierra Leone.
