Sierra Leone’s decade-long civil war caused huge displacement, loss of life and widespread destruction to buildings, roads and other infrastructure. The International Rescue Committee began providing emergency services in Sierra Leone in 1998 to respond to the enormous humanitarian needs, and after the signing of the peace agreement in 2002, have shifted our efforts to post-conflict development, with a focus on education and child protection, gender-based violence and health. Backgrounder Fact Sheet [PDF] >

How We Help

The IRC began emergency operations in Sierra Leone in 1999. With headquarters in Freetown and three field offices in Kono, Kenema and Kailhaun districts, the IRC brings post-conflict development services to Sierra Leoneans struggling to rebuild their lives after more than a decade of civil war, as well as to the residual Liberian refugee population in Sierra Leone. Programs include child protection, education, health, gender-based violence prevention and response, and governance. The IRC works to increase local participation in project activities, build local capacity, promote and protect human rights, partner with local communities and organizations, and holistically address relief and development needs.  Learn More >