Sierra Leonean advocate honoured

A prominent human rights lawyer in Sierra Leone has been honoured by the New York-based group, Human Rights Watch.

The lawyer, Abdul Tejan-Cole, was praised for his efforts in bringing atrocities by rebels to the world's attention during the nine-year civil war.

He receives his award later today, along with four other rights activists from around the world.

Mr Tejan-Cole defends clients whose rights have been violated -- often through rape or mutilation -- and heads a committee of lawyers to educate and promote human rights in Sierra Leone.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service