| SIERRA LEONE Republic of Sierra Leone Republic of Sierra Leone Joined United Nations: 27 September 1961 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 11/03/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Freetown
5,245,695 (July 2010 est.)
President and Vice President elected by popular vote for a five-year
term (eligible for a second term); election last held 11 August 2007
and 8 September 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
Next scheduled election: 2012
term (eligible for a second term); election last held 11 August 2007
and 8 September 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
Next scheduled election: 2012
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
According to the Sierra Leone Constitution, the President is
both the Chief of State and Head of Government
both the Chief of State and Head of Government
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Temne 35%, Mende 31%, Limba 8%, Kono 5%, Kriole 2% (descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the
Freetown area in the late-18th century; also known as Krio), Mandingo 2%, Loko 2%, other 15% (includes refugees from
Liberia's recent civil war, and small numbers of Europeans, Lebanese, Pakistanis, and Indians) (2008 census)
Freetown area in the late-18th century; also known as Krio), Mandingo 2%, Loko 2%, other 15% (includes refugees from
Liberia's recent civil war, and small numbers of Europeans, Lebanese, Pakistanis, and Indians) (2008 census)
| RELIGIONS |
Muslim 60%, Christian 10%, indigenous beliefs 30%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Constitutional democracy with 3 provinces and 1 area; Legal system is based on English law and customary laws indigenous to local
tribes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: President and Vice President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 11
August 2007 and 8 September 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
Legislative: Unicameral Parliament (124 seats; 112 members elected by popular vote, 12 filled by paramount chiefs elected in
separate elections; to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 11 August 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court; Appeals Court; High Court
tribes; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: President and Vice President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 11
August 2007 and 8 September 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
Legislative: Unicameral Parliament (124 seats; 112 members elected by popular vote, 12 filled by paramount chiefs elected in
separate elections; to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 11 August 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court; Appeals Court; High Court
| LANGUAGES |
English (official, regular use limited to literate minority), Mende (principal vernacular in the south), Temne (principal vernacular in
the north), Krio (English-based Creole, spoken by the descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown
area, a lingua franca and a first language for 10% of the population but understood by 95%)
the north), Krio (English-based Creole, spoken by the descendants of freed Jamaican slaves who were settled in the Freetown
area, a lingua franca and a first language for 10% of the population but understood by 95%)
| BRIEF HISTORY |
The Temne were living along the northern coast of present-day Sierra Leone when the first Portuguese navigators reached the
region in 1460. European contacts with Sierra Leone were among the first in West Africa. In 1462, Portuguese explorer Pedro da
Cintra mapped the hills surrounding what is now Freetown Harbour, naming shaped formation Serra Lyoa (Portuguese for Lion
Mountains). Its Italian rendering is Sierra Leone, which became the country's name. During the 1700s the major slave trading base
in Sierra Leone was Bunce Island, located about 20 miles into the Sierra Leone River, now called the "Freetown Harbour." The
British slave traders on Bunce Island sent many of their captives to the rice plantations of South Carolina and Georgia where their
rice-farming skills made them particularly valuable. In 1787 a plan was implemented to settle some of London's Black Poor in
Sierra Leone in what was called the "Province of Freedom." A number of Black Poor and White women arrived off the shore of
Sierra Leone on May 15, 1787. They were accompanied by some English tradesmen. This was organized by the St George's Bay
Company, composed of British philanthropists who preferred it as a solution to continuing to financially support them in London.
Many of the Black poor were Black Loyalists, enslaved Africans who had been promised their freedom for joining the British Army
during the American Revolution, though they also included other African and Asian inhabitants of London. Disease and hostility from
the indigenous people nearly eliminated the first group of colonists. Through the intervention of Thomas Peters, the Sierra Leone
Company was established to relocate another group of nearly 2,000 Black Loyalists, originally settled in Nova Scotia. Given the
most barren land in Nova Scotia, many had died from the harsh winters there. They established a settlement at Freetown in 1792.
This settlement led by Thomas Peters was joined by other groups of freed slaves and became one of Britain's first colonies in West
Africa. Thousands of slaves were returned to or liberated in Freetown. Most chose to remain in Sierra Leone. These returned
Africans were from all areas of Africa. They joined the previous settlers and together became known as Creole or Krio people. In
the early 20th century, Freetown served as the residence of the British governor who also ruled the Gold Coast (now Ghana) and
the Gambia settlements. Sierra Leone served as the educational centre of British West Africa as well. Fourah Bay College,
established in 1827, rapidly became a magnet for English-speaking Africans on the West Coast. For more than a century, it was the
only European-style university in western Sub-Saharan Africa. The colonial history of Sierra Leone was not placid. The indigenous
people mounted several unsuccessful revolts against British rule and Krio domination. Of these, the most notable was Bai Bureh
rebellion against British rule. Most of the 20th century history of the colony was peaceful; however, one notable event during the
20th century was the granting of a monopoly on mineral mining to the De Beers run Sierra Leone Selection Trust in 1935, which
was scheduled to last for 99 years. The 1951 constitution provided a framework for decolonization. Local ministerial responsibility
was introduced in 1953, when Sir Milton Margai was appointed Chief Minister. He became Prime Minister after successful
completion of constitutional talks in London in 1960. On April 27, 1961, Sir Milton Margai led Sierra Leone to independence from
the United Kingdom. In a closely contested general elections in March 1967, Sierra Leone Governor General Henry Josiah
Lightfoot Boston declared Siaka Stevens, candidate of the All People's Congress (APC) and Mayor of Freetown as the new prime
minister of Sierra Leone. Within a few hours after taking office, Stevens was ousted in a bloodless coup led by Brigadier David
Lansana, the Commander of The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, on grounds that the determination of office should await
the election of the tribal representatives to the house. Stevens was placed under house arrest and Martial law was declared. A
group of senior military officers overrode this action by seizing control of the government on March 23, 1968, arresting Brigadier
Lansana, and suspending the constitution. The return to civilian rule led to by-elections beginning in the fall of 1968 and the
appointment of an all-APC cabinet. Tranquillity was not completely restored. In November 1968, Stevens declared a state of
emergency after provincial disturbances. In March 1971 the government survived an unsuccessful military coup and in July 1974, it
uncovered an alleged military coup plot. On April 19, 1971, parliament declared Sierra Leone to be a Republic, Siaka Stevens,
then prime minister, became the nation's first president. In October 1990, President Momoh set up a constitutional review
commission to review the 1978 one-party constitution with a view to broadening the existing political process, guaranteeing
fundamental human rights and the rule of law, and strengthening and consolidating the democratic foundation and structure of the
nation. The commission, in its report presented January 1991, recommended re-establishment of a multi-party system of
government. Based on that recommendation, a constitution was approved by Parliament in July 1991 and ratified in September; it
became effective on October 1, 1991. On may 1, Captain Valentine Strasser took over as the chairman of the NPRC and Head of
State of Sierra Leone. A 26-year-old Sergeant Solomon Musa, one of the leaders of the coup and a best friend of Strasser took
over as Vice-Chaiman of the NPRC. Many Sierra Leoneans nationwide rush into the streets to welcome the NPRC Administration
from the twenty-three year dictatorial APC regime, that was perceived as corrupt. The NPRC junta immediately suspended the
1991 Constitution, declared a state of emergency, limited freedom of speech, and freedom of the press and enacted a
rule-by-decree policy. On January 6, 1999, another unsuccessful attempt to overthrow the government by the AFRC resulted in
massive loss of life and destruction of property in Freetown and its environs. In October, the United Nations agreed to send
peacekeepers to help restore order and disarm the rebels. The first of the 6,000-member force began arriving in December, and the
Security Council voted in February 2000 to increase the UN force to 11,000 (and subsequently to 13,000). In May, when nearly
all Nigerian forces had left and UN forces were attempting to disarm the RUF in eastern Sierra Leone, Sankoh's forces clashed
with the UN troops, and some 500 peacekeepers were taken hostage as the peace accord effectively collapsed. On January 18,
2002, President Kabbah declared the civil war officially over; an estimated 50,000 people were killed, hundreds of people had their
arms or legs hacked off by rebels, and over 500,000 people were displaced into neighboring countries. That same year, the Sierra
Leone Government and the United Nations agreed to set up war crimes court in Freetown. Elections were finally held in May,
2002. President Kabbah was re-elected, gaining 70% of the vote and his Sierra Leone People's party won a majority of the
parliamentary seats. Ernest Bai Koroma (born October 2, 1953 in Makeni, Bombali District, Sierra Leone) is the 4th and current
President of Sierra Leone. He was sworn in as president on September 17, 2007, shortly after being declared the winner of a tense
run-off election. He is the leader of the All People's Congress (APC) and was minority leader in parliament prior to becoming
President. Koroma was formally inaugurated in Freetown on November 15, 2007 at a ceremony attended by five other African
leaders. On this occasion, he promised to fight corruption and emphasized the importance of changing people's attitudes towards
corruption.
Source: Wikipedia: Sierra Leone
region in 1460. European contacts with Sierra Leone were among the first in West Africa. In 1462, Portuguese explorer Pedro da
Cintra mapped the hills surrounding what is now Freetown Harbour, naming shaped formation Serra Lyoa (Portuguese for Lion
Mountains). Its Italian rendering is Sierra Leone, which became the country's name. During the 1700s the major slave trading base
in Sierra Leone was Bunce Island, located about 20 miles into the Sierra Leone River, now called the "Freetown Harbour." The
British slave traders on Bunce Island sent many of their captives to the rice plantations of South Carolina and Georgia where their
rice-farming skills made them particularly valuable. In 1787 a plan was implemented to settle some of London's Black Poor in
Sierra Leone in what was called the "Province of Freedom." A number of Black Poor and White women arrived off the shore of
Sierra Leone on May 15, 1787. They were accompanied by some English tradesmen. This was organized by the St George's Bay
Company, composed of British philanthropists who preferred it as a solution to continuing to financially support them in London.
Many of the Black poor were Black Loyalists, enslaved Africans who had been promised their freedom for joining the British Army
during the American Revolution, though they also included other African and Asian inhabitants of London. Disease and hostility from
the indigenous people nearly eliminated the first group of colonists. Through the intervention of Thomas Peters, the Sierra Leone
Company was established to relocate another group of nearly 2,000 Black Loyalists, originally settled in Nova Scotia. Given the
most barren land in Nova Scotia, many had died from the harsh winters there. They established a settlement at Freetown in 1792.
This settlement led by Thomas Peters was joined by other groups of freed slaves and became one of Britain's first colonies in West
Africa. Thousands of slaves were returned to or liberated in Freetown. Most chose to remain in Sierra Leone. These returned
Africans were from all areas of Africa. They joined the previous settlers and together became known as Creole or Krio people. In
the early 20th century, Freetown served as the residence of the British governor who also ruled the Gold Coast (now Ghana) and
the Gambia settlements. Sierra Leone served as the educational centre of British West Africa as well. Fourah Bay College,
established in 1827, rapidly became a magnet for English-speaking Africans on the West Coast. For more than a century, it was the
only European-style university in western Sub-Saharan Africa. The colonial history of Sierra Leone was not placid. The indigenous
people mounted several unsuccessful revolts against British rule and Krio domination. Of these, the most notable was Bai Bureh
rebellion against British rule. Most of the 20th century history of the colony was peaceful; however, one notable event during the
20th century was the granting of a monopoly on mineral mining to the De Beers run Sierra Leone Selection Trust in 1935, which
was scheduled to last for 99 years. The 1951 constitution provided a framework for decolonization. Local ministerial responsibility
was introduced in 1953, when Sir Milton Margai was appointed Chief Minister. He became Prime Minister after successful
completion of constitutional talks in London in 1960. On April 27, 1961, Sir Milton Margai led Sierra Leone to independence from
the United Kingdom. In a closely contested general elections in March 1967, Sierra Leone Governor General Henry Josiah
Lightfoot Boston declared Siaka Stevens, candidate of the All People's Congress (APC) and Mayor of Freetown as the new prime
minister of Sierra Leone. Within a few hours after taking office, Stevens was ousted in a bloodless coup led by Brigadier David
Lansana, the Commander of The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, on grounds that the determination of office should await
the election of the tribal representatives to the house. Stevens was placed under house arrest and Martial law was declared. A
group of senior military officers overrode this action by seizing control of the government on March 23, 1968, arresting Brigadier
Lansana, and suspending the constitution. The return to civilian rule led to by-elections beginning in the fall of 1968 and the
appointment of an all-APC cabinet. Tranquillity was not completely restored. In November 1968, Stevens declared a state of
emergency after provincial disturbances. In March 1971 the government survived an unsuccessful military coup and in July 1974, it
uncovered an alleged military coup plot. On April 19, 1971, parliament declared Sierra Leone to be a Republic, Siaka Stevens,
then prime minister, became the nation's first president. In October 1990, President Momoh set up a constitutional review
commission to review the 1978 one-party constitution with a view to broadening the existing political process, guaranteeing
fundamental human rights and the rule of law, and strengthening and consolidating the democratic foundation and structure of the
nation. The commission, in its report presented January 1991, recommended re-establishment of a multi-party system of
government. Based on that recommendation, a constitution was approved by Parliament in July 1991 and ratified in September; it
became effective on October 1, 1991. On may 1, Captain Valentine Strasser took over as the chairman of the NPRC and Head of
State of Sierra Leone. A 26-year-old Sergeant Solomon Musa, one of the leaders of the coup and a best friend of Strasser took
over as Vice-Chaiman of the NPRC. Many Sierra Leoneans nationwide rush into the streets to welcome the NPRC Administration
from the twenty-three year dictatorial APC regime, that was perceived as corrupt. The NPRC junta immediately suspended the
1991 Constitution, declared a state of emergency, limited freedom of speech, and freedom of the press and enacted a
rule-by-decree policy. On January 6, 1999, another unsuccessful attempt to overthrow the government by the AFRC resulted in
massive loss of life and destruction of property in Freetown and its environs. In October, the United Nations agreed to send
peacekeepers to help restore order and disarm the rebels. The first of the 6,000-member force began arriving in December, and the
Security Council voted in February 2000 to increase the UN force to 11,000 (and subsequently to 13,000). In May, when nearly
all Nigerian forces had left and UN forces were attempting to disarm the RUF in eastern Sierra Leone, Sankoh's forces clashed
with the UN troops, and some 500 peacekeepers were taken hostage as the peace accord effectively collapsed. On January 18,
2002, President Kabbah declared the civil war officially over; an estimated 50,000 people were killed, hundreds of people had their
arms or legs hacked off by rebels, and over 500,000 people were displaced into neighboring countries. That same year, the Sierra
Leone Government and the United Nations agreed to set up war crimes court in Freetown. Elections were finally held in May,
2002. President Kabbah was re-elected, gaining 70% of the vote and his Sierra Leone People's party won a majority of the
parliamentary seats. Ernest Bai Koroma (born October 2, 1953 in Makeni, Bombali District, Sierra Leone) is the 4th and current
President of Sierra Leone. He was sworn in as president on September 17, 2007, shortly after being declared the winner of a tense
run-off election. He is the leader of the All People's Congress (APC) and was minority leader in parliament prior to becoming
President. Koroma was formally inaugurated in Freetown on November 15, 2007 at a ceremony attended by five other African
leaders. On this occasion, he promised to fight corruption and emphasized the importance of changing people's attitudes towards
corruption.
Source: Wikipedia: Sierra Leone
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Sierra Leone is an extremely poor nation with tremendous inequality in income distribution. While it possesses substantial mineral,
agricultural, and fishery resources, its physical and social infrastructure is not well developed, and serious social disorders continue
to hamper economic development. Nearly half of the working-age population engages in subsistence agriculture. Manufacturing
consists mainly of the processing of raw materials and of light manufacturing for the domestic market. Alluvial diamond mining
remains the major source of hard currency earnings accounting for nearly half of Sierra Leone's exports. The fate of the economy
depends upon the maintenance of domestic peace and the continued receipt of substantial aid from abroad, which is essential to
offset the severe trade imbalance and supplement government revenues. The IMF has completed a Poverty Reduction and Growth
Facility program that helped stabilize economic growth and reduce inflation. A recent increase in political stability has led to a revival
of economic activity such as the rehabilitation of bauxite and rutile mining.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Sierra Leone)
agricultural, and fishery resources, its physical and social infrastructure is not well developed, and serious social disorders continue
to hamper economic development. Nearly half of the working-age population engages in subsistence agriculture. Manufacturing
consists mainly of the processing of raw materials and of light manufacturing for the domestic market. Alluvial diamond mining
remains the major source of hard currency earnings accounting for nearly half of Sierra Leone's exports. The fate of the economy
depends upon the maintenance of domestic peace and the continued receipt of substantial aid from abroad, which is essential to
offset the severe trade imbalance and supplement government revenues. The IMF has completed a Poverty Reduction and Growth
Facility program that helped stabilize economic growth and reduce inflation. A recent increase in political stability has led to a revival
of economic activity such as the rehabilitation of bauxite and rutile mining.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Sierra Leone)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The president is the head of state, the head of government and the commander-in-chief of the The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed
Forces. The president appoints and heads a cabinet of ministers (including the vice president), which must be approved by the
Parliament. The president is elected by popular vote to a maximum of two five-year terms. To be elected president of Sierra Leone,
a candidate must gain at least 55 percent of the vote. If no candidate gets the 55 percent requirement, there will be a second-round
runoff between the top two candidates with the most votes in the first round. For qualification to be elected President of Sierra
Leone, the person must be a natural born citizen of Sierra Leone; Should have attained the age of 40 years; should be a member of
a political party; and Should be able to speak and read the English language. The current president of Sierra Leone is Ernest Bai
Koroma. Koroma was sworn in as president on September 17, 2007, shortly after being declared the winner of a tense run-off
election.
The Parliament of Sierra Leone is unicameral, with 124 seats. Each of the country's fourteen districts is represented in parliament.
112 members are elected concurrently with the presidential elections; the other twelve seats are filled by Paramount chief from each
of the country's twelve administrative districts. All members serve five-year terms. The most recent parliamentary elections were
held on August 11, 2007. The All People's Congress (APC), won 59 of 112 parliamentary seats; the Sierra Leone People's Party
(SLPP) won 43 seats; and the People's Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) won 10 seats.
The Judiciary Section 120(1) of the Constitution states that the judicial power of Sierra Leone shall be vested in the judiciary. The
judiciary of Sierra Leone, headed by the Chief Justice comprises the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court.
These constitute the Superior Court of Jurisdiction. The inferior courts comprise the Magistrates courts and the Local courts. The
Magistrates Courts exist in each district. Local courts administer customary law. The president appoints and parliament approves
justices for the three courts. The current Chief Justice is Ade Renner Thomas. He was appointed to the position by former president
Ahmad Tejan Kabbah.
Source: Wikipedia: Sierra Leone
Forces. The president appoints and heads a cabinet of ministers (including the vice president), which must be approved by the
Parliament. The president is elected by popular vote to a maximum of two five-year terms. To be elected president of Sierra Leone,
a candidate must gain at least 55 percent of the vote. If no candidate gets the 55 percent requirement, there will be a second-round
runoff between the top two candidates with the most votes in the first round. For qualification to be elected President of Sierra
Leone, the person must be a natural born citizen of Sierra Leone; Should have attained the age of 40 years; should be a member of
a political party; and Should be able to speak and read the English language. The current president of Sierra Leone is Ernest Bai
Koroma. Koroma was sworn in as president on September 17, 2007, shortly after being declared the winner of a tense run-off
election.
The Parliament of Sierra Leone is unicameral, with 124 seats. Each of the country's fourteen districts is represented in parliament.
112 members are elected concurrently with the presidential elections; the other twelve seats are filled by Paramount chief from each
of the country's twelve administrative districts. All members serve five-year terms. The most recent parliamentary elections were
held on August 11, 2007. The All People's Congress (APC), won 59 of 112 parliamentary seats; the Sierra Leone People's Party
(SLPP) won 43 seats; and the People's Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC) won 10 seats.
The Judiciary Section 120(1) of the Constitution states that the judicial power of Sierra Leone shall be vested in the judiciary. The
judiciary of Sierra Leone, headed by the Chief Justice comprises the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court.
These constitute the Superior Court of Jurisdiction. The inferior courts comprise the Magistrates courts and the Local courts. The
Magistrates Courts exist in each district. Local courts administer customary law. The president appoints and parliament approves
justices for the three courts. The current Chief Justice is Ade Renner Thomas. He was appointed to the position by former president
Ahmad Tejan Kabbah.
Source: Wikipedia: Sierra Leone
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
As domestic fighting among disparate ethnic groups, rebel groups, warlords, and youth gangs in Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, and
Sierra Leone gradually abate, the number of refugees in border areas has begun to slowly dwindle; UN Mission in Sierra Leone
(UNAMSIL) has maintained over 4,000 peacekeepers in Sierra Leone since 1999; Sierra Leone considers excessive Guinea's
definition of the flood plain limits to define the left bank boundary of the Makona and Moa rivers and protests Guinea's continued
occupation of these lands including the hamlet of Yenga occupied since 1998.
Sierra Leone gradually abate, the number of refugees in border areas has begun to slowly dwindle; UN Mission in Sierra Leone
(UNAMSIL) has maintained over 4,000 peacekeepers in Sierra Leone since 1999; Sierra Leone considers excessive Guinea's
definition of the flood plain limits to define the left bank boundary of the Makona and Moa rivers and protests Guinea's continued
occupation of these lands including the hamlet of Yenga occupied since 1998.
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
Refugees (country of origin): 27,311 (Liberia) (2007)
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported.
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Sierra Leone
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Sierra Leone is a constitutional republic with a directly elected president, a unicameral legislature, and a population of approximately 6.4
million. In peaceful presidential and parliamentary elections held in 2007, the opposition All People's Congress (APC) won a majority in
parliament, and citizens elected party leader Ernest Bai Koroma president. Domestic and international observers characterized the
elections as credible and free but noted irregularities that did not affect the outcome. In 2002 the devastating 11-year civil conflict
officially ended, and the government, backed by a United Nations peacekeeping force (UNAMSIL), asserted control over the whole
country. In 2004 UNAMSIL handed responsibility for security countrywide to the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and
Sierra Leone Police (SLP). In 2005 UNAMSIL withdrew all remaining peacekeepers and transferred nonpeacekeeping responsibilities to
a follow-on peacebuilding UN mission (UNIOSIL). In 2008 UNIOSIL's mandate ended, and the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in
Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL) was established to support government institutions and monitor and protect human rights and the rule of law.
Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens. However, there were problems in a number of areas, including:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Sierra Leone is a constitutional republic with a directly elected president, a unicameral legislature, and a population of approximately 6.4
million. In peaceful presidential and parliamentary elections held in 2007, the opposition All People's Congress (APC) won a majority in
parliament, and citizens elected party leader Ernest Bai Koroma president. Domestic and international observers characterized the
elections as credible and free but noted irregularities that did not affect the outcome. In 2002 the devastating 11-year civil conflict
officially ended, and the government, backed by a United Nations peacekeeping force (UNAMSIL), asserted control over the whole
country. In 2004 UNAMSIL handed responsibility for security countrywide to the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and
Sierra Leone Police (SLP). In 2005 UNAMSIL withdrew all remaining peacekeepers and transferred nonpeacekeeping responsibilities to
a follow-on peacebuilding UN mission (UNIOSIL). In 2008 UNIOSIL's mandate ended, and the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in
Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL) was established to support government institutions and monitor and protect human rights and the rule of law.
Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
The government generally respected the human rights of its citizens. However, there were problems in a number of areas, including:
- security force abuse and use of excessive force with detainees, including juveniles;
- police theft and extortion;
- harsh conditions in prisons and jails;
- official impunity;
- arbitrary arrest and detention;
- prolonged detention, excessive bail, and insufficient legal representation;
- restrictions on freedom of speech and press;
- forcible dispersion of demonstrators;
- widespread official corruption;
- societal discrimination and violence against women;
- female genital mutilation (FGM);
- child abuse;
- trafficking in persons, including children;
- child labor.
1 October 2010
Committee on the Rights of the Child
Fifty-fifth session
13 September – 1 October 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 12, paragraph 1, of the Optional Protocol to the Convention
on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution, and child pornography
Concluding observations: Sierra Leone
Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party's initial report. The Committee further welcomes its written replies
(CRC/C/OPSC/SLE/Q/1/Add.1) to the list of issues and appreciates the dialogue with the State party’s delegation. The Committee,
however, regrets the lack of detail in the information provided in both the report and the replies to the lists of issues.
I. General observations
Positive aspects
4. The Committee welcomes the following measures taken by the State party since its ratification of the Optional Protocol in May
2002:
(a) The enactment of the Child Rights Act in 2007 which, inter alia, sets the minimum age of marriage at 18 years and
criminalizes exploitative labour, the engagement of children in hazardous work as well as torture and other cruel and inhuman or
degrading treatment or punishment;
(b) The adoption of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act in 2005, which criminalizes, inter alia, the illicit transfer of children, child
labour, the removal of child organs for ritual and other purposes, and trafficking;
II. Data
Data Collection
6. The Committee notes with appreciation the State party’s efforts in the area of data collection, including sector-specific data
collection systems in a number of government Ministries and crime statistics database maintained by the Sierra Leone Police. It is
concerned, however, at the absence of an integrated data collection system on areas of relevance to the Optional Protocol. In particular,
the Committee regrets the lack of data on key areas covered by the Optional Protocol, including the number of victims of the sale of
children, child prostitution and child pornography, and the number of children provided with assistance towards their social reintegration
and physical and psychological recovery as envisaged by article 9 paragraph 3 of the Optional Protocol.
7. The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a) Establish a comprehensive data collection system in order to ensure that data, disaggregated, inter alia by age, sex,
geographical area and socio-economic background, are systematically collected and analyzed;
Click here to read more »
Committee on the Rights of the Child
Fifty-fifth session
13 September – 1 October 2010
Consideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 12, paragraph 1, of the Optional Protocol to the Convention
on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution, and child pornography
Concluding observations: Sierra Leone
Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the State party's initial report. The Committee further welcomes its written replies
(CRC/C/OPSC/SLE/Q/1/Add.1) to the list of issues and appreciates the dialogue with the State party’s delegation. The Committee,
however, regrets the lack of detail in the information provided in both the report and the replies to the lists of issues.
I. General observations
Positive aspects
4. The Committee welcomes the following measures taken by the State party since its ratification of the Optional Protocol in May
2002:
(a) The enactment of the Child Rights Act in 2007 which, inter alia, sets the minimum age of marriage at 18 years and
criminalizes exploitative labour, the engagement of children in hazardous work as well as torture and other cruel and inhuman or
degrading treatment or punishment;
(b) The adoption of the Anti-Human Trafficking Act in 2005, which criminalizes, inter alia, the illicit transfer of children, child
labour, the removal of child organs for ritual and other purposes, and trafficking;
II. Data
Data Collection
6. The Committee notes with appreciation the State party’s efforts in the area of data collection, including sector-specific data
collection systems in a number of government Ministries and crime statistics database maintained by the Sierra Leone Police. It is
concerned, however, at the absence of an integrated data collection system on areas of relevance to the Optional Protocol. In particular,
the Committee regrets the lack of data on key areas covered by the Optional Protocol, including the number of victims of the sale of
children, child prostitution and child pornography, and the number of children provided with assistance towards their social reintegration
and physical and psychological recovery as envisaged by article 9 paragraph 3 of the Optional Protocol.
7. The Committee recommends that the State party:
(a) Establish a comprehensive data collection system in order to ensure that data, disaggregated, inter alia by age, sex,
geographical area and socio-economic background, are systematically collected and analyzed;
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 3
Civil Liberties Score: 3
Status: Partly Free
Overview
Political violence erupted in March 2009 between supporters of the two main political parties, but party leaders were quick to condemn
the violence and participate in conciliatory dialogues. Also during the year, the Special Court for Sierra Leone sentenced three former
leaders of the Revolutionary United Front rebel group for crimes committed during the civil war, and the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission launched its reparations program.
Local council elections were held without incident in 2008, but violence between APC and SLPP supporters broke out ahead of a local
by-election in Pujehun district in March 2009. The fighting, which spread to Freetown, caused serious injuries and damage to SLPP
offices and city council buildings. It also included vehicle arson and alleged acts of sexual violence.
The Political Parties Registration Commission and the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office were quick to facilitate interparty dialogue, and
in April the APC and SLPP issued a joint communiqué calling for an end to all acts of political intolerance, the tempering of hostility
between the party youth wings, and the establishment of independent mechanisms to investigate the events of March. The communiqué
also provided a framework for bipartisan consensus-building.
In July, Koroma swore in the Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations of rape and sexual violence during the March 16 attack on
SLPP headquarters. The Commission found no evidence to sustain the allegations of rape but noted that outrages upon personal dignity
and inhumane conduct had occurred. In October, the Independent Review Panel to investigate the causes of political violence was sworn
in. APC and SLPP leaders adopted conciliatory postures in the wake of the March violence, and indicated their commitment to peaceful
politics. Numerous interparty dialogues were held for the remainder of the year. Despite such measures, the relationship between the two
parties continues to be plagued by mutual mistrust and suspicion. In September 2009, the president signed into law the Chieftaincy Act.
Chieftaincy elections commenced in December, and some instances of violence were again reported.
Sierra Leone has vast natural resources, including diamonds, minerals, and unexploited off-shore oil wells. However, due to the legacies
of war, the country remains one of the least developed in the world. Its large jobless population includes many former combatants, and
some 42 percent of the country’s inhabitants are under age 15, raising concerns about the potential for a return to violence. In
December, Parliament adopted a law that will facilitate the establishment of a National Youth Commission to address issues of youth
unemployment and the associated threats to peace.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 3
Civil Liberties Score: 3
Status: Partly Free
Overview
Political violence erupted in March 2009 between supporters of the two main political parties, but party leaders were quick to condemn
the violence and participate in conciliatory dialogues. Also during the year, the Special Court for Sierra Leone sentenced three former
leaders of the Revolutionary United Front rebel group for crimes committed during the civil war, and the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission launched its reparations program.
Local council elections were held without incident in 2008, but violence between APC and SLPP supporters broke out ahead of a local
by-election in Pujehun district in March 2009. The fighting, which spread to Freetown, caused serious injuries and damage to SLPP
offices and city council buildings. It also included vehicle arson and alleged acts of sexual violence.
The Political Parties Registration Commission and the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office were quick to facilitate interparty dialogue, and
in April the APC and SLPP issued a joint communiqué calling for an end to all acts of political intolerance, the tempering of hostility
between the party youth wings, and the establishment of independent mechanisms to investigate the events of March. The communiqué
also provided a framework for bipartisan consensus-building.
In July, Koroma swore in the Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations of rape and sexual violence during the March 16 attack on
SLPP headquarters. The Commission found no evidence to sustain the allegations of rape but noted that outrages upon personal dignity
and inhumane conduct had occurred. In October, the Independent Review Panel to investigate the causes of political violence was sworn
in. APC and SLPP leaders adopted conciliatory postures in the wake of the March violence, and indicated their commitment to peaceful
politics. Numerous interparty dialogues were held for the remainder of the year. Despite such measures, the relationship between the two
parties continues to be plagued by mutual mistrust and suspicion. In September 2009, the president signed into law the Chieftaincy Act.
Chieftaincy elections commenced in December, and some instances of violence were again reported.
Sierra Leone has vast natural resources, including diamonds, minerals, and unexploited off-shore oil wells. However, due to the legacies
of war, the country remains one of the least developed in the world. Its large jobless population includes many former combatants, and
some 42 percent of the country’s inhabitants are under age 15, raising concerns about the potential for a return to violence. In
December, Parliament adopted a law that will facilitate the establishment of a National Youth Commission to address issues of youth
unemployment and the associated threats to peace.
Click here to read more »
PUBLIC STATEMENT
7 October 2010
Sierra Leone: Inquest or Commission of Inquiry into 1992 extra-judicial executions must form part of a comprehensive plan
to end impunity
The announcement by the government of Sierra Leone of an inquest or commission of inquiry into the 1992 extra-judicial execution of
26 people must not signal an isolated process that focuses only on past crimes alleged to have been committed by political opponents of
the administration.
In a recent report to the Security Council, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon warned that the proposed exercise might be interpreted as
politically-motivated and could undermine stability ahead of the 2012 national elections. The UN has expressed concerns over the action,
which has “generated strong ethnically motivated and inflammatory attacks in the local media targeting both the opposition and the
government.”
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has already considered the crimes in question and found that the National Provisional Ruling
Council (NPRC)executed 26 individuals accused of plotting a coup, “without due process of law and in flagrant violation of international
standards.” The grave nature of these crimes cannot be underestimated. Extra-judicial executions are serious human rights violations that
– like crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture and enforced disappearances committed in Sierra Leone – must be investigated and
prosecuted.
At the same time, justice must be fair, impartial and independent. For the authorities to focus only on certain crimes and to ignore the
thousands of other serious human rights violations identified in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report risks further
undermining the weak rule of law in Sierra Leone.
Amnesty International repeats its call for the government to establish a comprehensive plan of action to investigate and prosecute all
crimes committed in Sierra Leone for which impunity continues to exist, and to ensure full and effective reparations for victims. In
particular we call again for the government to repeal the Lome Amnesty Law which obstructs justice for thousands of Sierra Leoneans
who are the victims or relatives of victims of serious human rights violations.
Click here to read more »
7 October 2010
Sierra Leone: Inquest or Commission of Inquiry into 1992 extra-judicial executions must form part of a comprehensive plan
to end impunity
The announcement by the government of Sierra Leone of an inquest or commission of inquiry into the 1992 extra-judicial execution of
26 people must not signal an isolated process that focuses only on past crimes alleged to have been committed by political opponents of
the administration.
In a recent report to the Security Council, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon warned that the proposed exercise might be interpreted as
politically-motivated and could undermine stability ahead of the 2012 national elections. The UN has expressed concerns over the action,
which has “generated strong ethnically motivated and inflammatory attacks in the local media targeting both the opposition and the
government.”
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has already considered the crimes in question and found that the National Provisional Ruling
Council (NPRC)executed 26 individuals accused of plotting a coup, “without due process of law and in flagrant violation of international
standards.” The grave nature of these crimes cannot be underestimated. Extra-judicial executions are serious human rights violations that
– like crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture and enforced disappearances committed in Sierra Leone – must be investigated and
prosecuted.
At the same time, justice must be fair, impartial and independent. For the authorities to focus only on certain crimes and to ignore the
thousands of other serious human rights violations identified in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report risks further
undermining the weak rule of law in Sierra Leone.
Amnesty International repeats its call for the government to establish a comprehensive plan of action to investigate and prosecute all
crimes committed in Sierra Leone for which impunity continues to exist, and to ensure full and effective reparations for victims. In
particular we call again for the government to repeal the Lome Amnesty Law which obstructs justice for thousands of Sierra Leoneans
who are the victims or relatives of victims of serious human rights violations.
Click here to read more »
Sierra Leone
Events of 2009
20 January 2010
Throughout 2009 the government of President Ernest Bai Koroma made notable progress in addressing endemic corruption and weak
rule of law, thus distancing Sierra Leone further from the issues that gave rise to its 11-year armed conflict that ended in 2002. However
persistent weaknesses within the police and judiciary, and several risk factors-notably the global economic crisis, high unemployment,
and growing insecurity in neighboring Guinea- illuminated the fragility of these gains.
An outbreak of politically motivated violence between supporters of the ruling All People's Congress and the Sierra Leone People's Party
in early 2009 showed the weakness of the Sierra Leone police and judiciary, which failed to adequately investigate and hold accountable
those responsible. However, swift reconciliation efforts by the President avoided a deepening of the crisis.
Through the efforts of the United Nations-mandated Special Court for Sierra Leone, there was significant progress in achieving
accountability for war crimes committed during the country's civil war. However, there was little improvement in access to key
economic rights including healthcare and primary education. Sierra Leoneans suffer the highest maternal mortality rates in the world.
Corruption
President Koroma and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) continued to take meaningful steps to address the scourge of corruption
that has for decades posed a major obstacle to development. During 2009 the ACC used its independent powers to investigate,
prosecute, and secure 11 convictions, including that of a former ombudsman; at this writing dozens of other cases are in court. By
October the equivalent of more than US$375,000 in stolen state assets had been recovered by the ACC. In November the ACC indicted
the health minister for illegally awarding contracts; he was at the same time removed from his post by the president. Following Koroma's
lead in 2008, nearly all senior government officials and parliamentarians had declared their assets, and in an unprecedented move,
employees of the notoriously corrupt ministries of health, education, and lands were suspended and referred for investigation for corrupt
practices. Concern remained, however, that the ACC had failed to take adequate action against at least one minister exposed for
awarding illegal contracts.
Rule of Law
Serious deficiencies in the judicial system persist, including extortion and bribe-taking by officials; insufficient numbers of judges,
magistrates, and prosecuting attorneys; absenteeism by court personnel; and inadequate remuneration for judiciary personnel. In 2009
some 90 percent of prisoners lacked any legal representation. Hundreds of people-over 40 percent of the country's detainees-were held
in prolonged pretrial detention.
Local court officials frequently abuse their powers by illegally detaining persons, charging high fines for minor offenses, and adjudicating
criminal cases beyond their jurisdiction. The only legal system accessible to some 70 percent of the population is one based on
customary courts controlled by traditional leaders and applying customary law, which is often discriminatory, particularly against
women.
Click here to read more »
Events of 2009
20 January 2010
Throughout 2009 the government of President Ernest Bai Koroma made notable progress in addressing endemic corruption and weak
rule of law, thus distancing Sierra Leone further from the issues that gave rise to its 11-year armed conflict that ended in 2002. However
persistent weaknesses within the police and judiciary, and several risk factors-notably the global economic crisis, high unemployment,
and growing insecurity in neighboring Guinea- illuminated the fragility of these gains.
An outbreak of politically motivated violence between supporters of the ruling All People's Congress and the Sierra Leone People's Party
in early 2009 showed the weakness of the Sierra Leone police and judiciary, which failed to adequately investigate and hold accountable
those responsible. However, swift reconciliation efforts by the President avoided a deepening of the crisis.
Through the efforts of the United Nations-mandated Special Court for Sierra Leone, there was significant progress in achieving
accountability for war crimes committed during the country's civil war. However, there was little improvement in access to key
economic rights including healthcare and primary education. Sierra Leoneans suffer the highest maternal mortality rates in the world.
Corruption
President Koroma and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) continued to take meaningful steps to address the scourge of corruption
that has for decades posed a major obstacle to development. During 2009 the ACC used its independent powers to investigate,
prosecute, and secure 11 convictions, including that of a former ombudsman; at this writing dozens of other cases are in court. By
October the equivalent of more than US$375,000 in stolen state assets had been recovered by the ACC. In November the ACC indicted
the health minister for illegally awarding contracts; he was at the same time removed from his post by the president. Following Koroma's
lead in 2008, nearly all senior government officials and parliamentarians had declared their assets, and in an unprecedented move,
employees of the notoriously corrupt ministries of health, education, and lands were suspended and referred for investigation for corrupt
practices. Concern remained, however, that the ACC had failed to take adequate action against at least one minister exposed for
awarding illegal contracts.
Rule of Law
Serious deficiencies in the judicial system persist, including extortion and bribe-taking by officials; insufficient numbers of judges,
magistrates, and prosecuting attorneys; absenteeism by court personnel; and inadequate remuneration for judiciary personnel. In 2009
some 90 percent of prisoners lacked any legal representation. Hundreds of people-over 40 percent of the country's detainees-were held
in prolonged pretrial detention.
Local court officials frequently abuse their powers by illegally detaining persons, charging high fines for minor offenses, and adjudicating
criminal cases beyond their jurisdiction. The only legal system accessible to some 70 percent of the population is one based on
customary courts controlled by traditional leaders and applying customary law, which is often discriminatory, particularly against
women.
Click here to read more »
STATEMENT by H.E. Dr. Ernest Bai KOROMA President of the Republic of Sierra Leone at the 65th Session of the United
Nations General Assembly NEW YORK,
Thursday September 23, 2010
Mr. President,
My Government is sincerely grateful for the international community's engagement with Sierra Leone's efforts to put the country on a
path to sustained economic growth and development. Building on this engagement, our country has significantly improved our
international standing in many areas:
• The Global Peace Index now ranks Sierra Leone as the 53rd most peaceful country in the world;
• The Mo Ibrahim Index records that we are one of the five crisis affected countries that have made a significant leap forward in
democratic governance;
• A recent IMF review shows improvement in public finances, with our 4% annual economic growth rate higher than the average 2%
growth rate of Sub Sahara Africa; • And we have also made steady progress in our rankings on Doing Business, Corruption Perception
and Democracy. In addition:
• Earlier this year I was a proud recipient of the peace prize awarded by ACCORD on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone;
• Only last week my country received the Millennium Development Goal award for showing outstanding leadership in the fight against
HIV/AIDs, malaria and other diseases - MDG 6; Mr. President, My Government has also continued to emphasize the protection of the
basic rights of the people of Sierra Leone:
• We have put in place comprehensive justice sector reforms in response to both national and global demands - to ensure both that the
rights of citizens are preserved, and that we achieve access to justice for all.
• And the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone has assumed a lead role in advising my Government on building a culture of human
rights. It ensures that my Government ratifies international treaties and protocols and fulfills its reporting obligations.
I am proud of what Sierra Leone has achieved so far – but we still need to further enhance our capacity to promote and protect human
rights, establish good governance and managerial capacity across the whole public sector, and fight corruption and narcotic drug
trafficking.
For this our country will need further technical assistance and cooperation, private capital investments and transfers of technology. Most
importantly, we are also not oblivious of the imperative of consolidating peace through enhanced political dialogue, tolerance and
ensuring fair electoral process. With this and our political resolve, we will make further progress towards peace, security and a stable,
open democracy.
Mr. President, Let me now turn to the theme of this 65th session: re-affirming the central role of the United Nations in global
governance. It could not have been better timed than at a moment when the global community is grappling with myriad challenges within
the international system.
Click here to read more »
Nations General Assembly NEW YORK,
Thursday September 23, 2010
Mr. President,
My Government is sincerely grateful for the international community's engagement with Sierra Leone's efforts to put the country on a
path to sustained economic growth and development. Building on this engagement, our country has significantly improved our
international standing in many areas:
• The Global Peace Index now ranks Sierra Leone as the 53rd most peaceful country in the world;
• The Mo Ibrahim Index records that we are one of the five crisis affected countries that have made a significant leap forward in
democratic governance;
• A recent IMF review shows improvement in public finances, with our 4% annual economic growth rate higher than the average 2%
growth rate of Sub Sahara Africa; • And we have also made steady progress in our rankings on Doing Business, Corruption Perception
and Democracy. In addition:
• Earlier this year I was a proud recipient of the peace prize awarded by ACCORD on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone;
• Only last week my country received the Millennium Development Goal award for showing outstanding leadership in the fight against
HIV/AIDs, malaria and other diseases - MDG 6; Mr. President, My Government has also continued to emphasize the protection of the
basic rights of the people of Sierra Leone:
• We have put in place comprehensive justice sector reforms in response to both national and global demands - to ensure both that the
rights of citizens are preserved, and that we achieve access to justice for all.
• And the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone has assumed a lead role in advising my Government on building a culture of human
rights. It ensures that my Government ratifies international treaties and protocols and fulfills its reporting obligations.
I am proud of what Sierra Leone has achieved so far – but we still need to further enhance our capacity to promote and protect human
rights, establish good governance and managerial capacity across the whole public sector, and fight corruption and narcotic drug
trafficking.
For this our country will need further technical assistance and cooperation, private capital investments and transfers of technology. Most
importantly, we are also not oblivious of the imperative of consolidating peace through enhanced political dialogue, tolerance and
ensuring fair electoral process. With this and our political resolve, we will make further progress towards peace, security and a stable,
open democracy.
Mr. President, Let me now turn to the theme of this 65th session: re-affirming the central role of the United Nations in global
governance. It could not have been better timed than at a moment when the global community is grappling with myriad challenges within
the international system.
Click here to read more »
CSO-UNDP Forum Condemn Spate of Violence against Young Girls in Sierra Leone
Despicable acts of violence against young girls condemned by CSO-UNDP Forum in Bo
5th March 2010
Following an alarming spate of rape incidents in Sierra Leone in the first 3 months of 2010, the Civil Society Organisations - United
Nations Development Programme (CSO-UNDP) Forum, is calling for a more vigorous response to stop human rights violations and
criminal acts against young girls.
“We condemn in the strongest terms possible such despicable acts of violence against young girls,” says the CSO- UNDP Forum
Statement, issued in at its monthly meeting, in Bo, yesterday.
“In the past several days, CSOs in Kono have received reports of a 56 year old man who allegedly defiled a 12 year old girl. The young
girl later died at the Government Hospital in Koidu. The alleged perpetrator is currently detained at Tankoro Police Station in Kono,” the
statement says.
”Although we commend the police for taking action in this case, the rate of such Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) incidents
remains an area of serious concern. A small sample of recent allegations reported by this Forum include the following:
*a 12 year old girl in Kenema was defiled by an older man and later died;
*in Bombali district, a 13 year old girl was defiled by a 45 year old man;
*in Moyamba, 5 and 9 year old girls were defiled with no arrests;
*in Bo, a 16 year old was gang raped with no convictions almost a year later; and
*in Freetown, a 12 year old girl was sexually abused by 49 year old man.”
SGBV is a criminal offence, and an abuse of a citizen's basic human rights, under the Domestic Violence Act (2007) and other laws in
Sierra Leone.
The CSO-UNDP Forum Statement is also calling for “swift and targeted action”, to prevent and prosecute Sexual and Gender Based
Violence (SGBV) against young girls, including the immediate and timely investigation of such cases by the police.
“We cite the GOSL’s (Government’s) decisive steps against armed robberies in 2009 as a model for concerted action and effort,” the
statement says.
The role of the media to improve protection of young girls and women from sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) was also
highlighted at a recent UNDP media training workshop, where up to 40 journalists received specialist training on reporting SGBV related
trials and convictions. A hand book to improve media reporting of SGBV in Sierra Leone will soon be launched by Access to Justice
Programme, which is apart of UNDP’s Governance Unit.
Out of 927 cases of sexual abuse reported in Sierra Leone in 2009, there were no convictions, Ms Bernadette Cole, Chairperson,
Independent Media Commission said in a statement at the opening of a two day training & consultative workshop for journalists entitled,
The Role of Media in Publicizing Sexual and Gender Based Violence Cases in Sierra Leone.
Click here to read more »
Despicable acts of violence against young girls condemned by CSO-UNDP Forum in Bo
5th March 2010
Following an alarming spate of rape incidents in Sierra Leone in the first 3 months of 2010, the Civil Society Organisations - United
Nations Development Programme (CSO-UNDP) Forum, is calling for a more vigorous response to stop human rights violations and
criminal acts against young girls.
“We condemn in the strongest terms possible such despicable acts of violence against young girls,” says the CSO- UNDP Forum
Statement, issued in at its monthly meeting, in Bo, yesterday.
“In the past several days, CSOs in Kono have received reports of a 56 year old man who allegedly defiled a 12 year old girl. The young
girl later died at the Government Hospital in Koidu. The alleged perpetrator is currently detained at Tankoro Police Station in Kono,” the
statement says.
”Although we commend the police for taking action in this case, the rate of such Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) incidents
remains an area of serious concern. A small sample of recent allegations reported by this Forum include the following:
*a 12 year old girl in Kenema was defiled by an older man and later died;
*in Bombali district, a 13 year old girl was defiled by a 45 year old man;
*in Moyamba, 5 and 9 year old girls were defiled with no arrests;
*in Bo, a 16 year old was gang raped with no convictions almost a year later; and
*in Freetown, a 12 year old girl was sexually abused by 49 year old man.”
SGBV is a criminal offence, and an abuse of a citizen's basic human rights, under the Domestic Violence Act (2007) and other laws in
Sierra Leone.
The CSO-UNDP Forum Statement is also calling for “swift and targeted action”, to prevent and prosecute Sexual and Gender Based
Violence (SGBV) against young girls, including the immediate and timely investigation of such cases by the police.
“We cite the GOSL’s (Government’s) decisive steps against armed robberies in 2009 as a model for concerted action and effort,” the
statement says.
The role of the media to improve protection of young girls and women from sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) was also
highlighted at a recent UNDP media training workshop, where up to 40 journalists received specialist training on reporting SGBV related
trials and convictions. A hand book to improve media reporting of SGBV in Sierra Leone will soon be launched by Access to Justice
Programme, which is apart of UNDP’s Governance Unit.
Out of 927 cases of sexual abuse reported in Sierra Leone in 2009, there were no convictions, Ms Bernadette Cole, Chairperson,
Independent Media Commission said in a statement at the opening of a two day training & consultative workshop for journalists entitled,
The Role of Media in Publicizing Sexual and Gender Based Violence Cases in Sierra Leone.
Click here to read more »
In Sierra Leone, Ombudsman’s Office Releases 2009-2013 Strategic Plan
By Aruna Turay
Jun 25, 2010, 17:02
Sierra Leone’s Office of Ombudsman has released its strategic plan for 2009 to 2013.
Ombudsman Edmond Cowan said in the presentation that it was in keeping with the mission, vision and core values of the Ombudsman’
s office as it is necessary to develop a strategic plan to provide for an appropriate structure, develop its capacity and seek financial
support for its activities. He said in that connection a workshop for relevant stakeholders funded by the Justice Sector Development
Programme (JSDP) held in October 2008, they saw the need to draw up a five-year strategic plan that will guide their activities over the
period.
Priority goals in the plan are to ensure a high level of awareness of the existence and functions of the Office of the Ombudsman,
improve service delivery, strengthen and improve people’s perspective of the office, strengthen the institutional capacity of the office
and provide effective support for its programmes, establish and maintain constructive relationship with the community, government
agencies, human rights institutions and other stakeholders in the observance of the rule of law.
He said the plan provides for a network with external Ombudsman organizations by interacting with them and learn about modern trends
in other well established outfits, renew membership with the African Ombudsman Association for which Sierra Leone’s membership has
lapsed due to non payment of dues, maintain the independence of the office in the resolution of complaints without fear or favor, and
above all, promote administrative justice, prevent and reduce corrupt practices and abuse of office by government and other public
officials and promote high standards of integrity in government agencies.
Overcoming negative perception of the office is one of the challenges highlighted by the Ombudsman as one of those faced by his
office. He said this challenge would only be overcome with time and with an efficient and transparent management of resources.
Additionally, Mr. Cowan named the lack of cooperation by some Government ministries and other public corporations as other
intractable challenge his office is faced with. However, he vowed that his office would continue to encourage all stakeholders to
cooperate with it in its desire to give prompt and efficient service to the public.
Click here to read more>>
By Aruna Turay
Jun 25, 2010, 17:02
Sierra Leone’s Office of Ombudsman has released its strategic plan for 2009 to 2013.
Ombudsman Edmond Cowan said in the presentation that it was in keeping with the mission, vision and core values of the Ombudsman’
s office as it is necessary to develop a strategic plan to provide for an appropriate structure, develop its capacity and seek financial
support for its activities. He said in that connection a workshop for relevant stakeholders funded by the Justice Sector Development
Programme (JSDP) held in October 2008, they saw the need to draw up a five-year strategic plan that will guide their activities over the
period.
Priority goals in the plan are to ensure a high level of awareness of the existence and functions of the Office of the Ombudsman,
improve service delivery, strengthen and improve people’s perspective of the office, strengthen the institutional capacity of the office
and provide effective support for its programmes, establish and maintain constructive relationship with the community, government
agencies, human rights institutions and other stakeholders in the observance of the rule of law.
He said the plan provides for a network with external Ombudsman organizations by interacting with them and learn about modern trends
in other well established outfits, renew membership with the African Ombudsman Association for which Sierra Leone’s membership has
lapsed due to non payment of dues, maintain the independence of the office in the resolution of complaints without fear or favor, and
above all, promote administrative justice, prevent and reduce corrupt practices and abuse of office by government and other public
officials and promote high standards of integrity in government agencies.
Overcoming negative perception of the office is one of the challenges highlighted by the Ombudsman as one of those faced by his
office. He said this challenge would only be overcome with time and with an efficient and transparent management of resources.
Additionally, Mr. Cowan named the lack of cooperation by some Government ministries and other public corporations as other
intractable challenge his office is faced with. However, he vowed that his office would continue to encourage all stakeholders to
cooperate with it in its desire to give prompt and efficient service to the public.
Click here to read more>>
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
Earnest Bai Koroma
President since 17 September 2007
President since 17 September 2007
Samuel Sam-Sumana
Vice President since 17 September 2007
Vice President since 17 September 2007
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
Earnest Bai Koroma
President since 17 September 2007
President since 17 September 2007