Displaying 45326 - 45350 of 58160 recommendations found
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:NetherlandsNetherlandsRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUIssue:
- HIV and AIDS
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Continue to ensure that programmes, services and support for HIV-prevention will reach the general population.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 26) ... The Ministry of Health supported the Free Malaria Treatment Program for all age groups, as well as the Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS programmes ...
Para 27) Sierra Leone has increased the number of testing sites for HIV/AIDS Anti-rectroviral Therapy (ART) from 556 in 2011 to 689 in 2012, with the number of pregnant women tested for HIV/AIDS rising from 138,000 in 2011 to 224,000 in 2012. The coverage for prophylaxis is 74%. The 2011 HIV/AIDS Commission Act makes it an offence to deny a person access to employment or to an educational institution on the basis of their HIV status. Alongside this, HIV positive personnel are serving in the security sector and an anti-stigmatization law is also being enforced. Several workplaces have adopted and mainstreamed National HIV/AIDS policy ...
Para 81) ... In addition to FHC, free malaria treatment for all age groups is provided in all government healthcare facilities, including the treatment for tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS ...
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 25) ICAAD noted that the HIV/AIDS Commission Act was passed in 2011, making it illegal to deny employment or education based on HIV status.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:BurundiBurundiRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFIssue:
- International human rights instruments
- Gender equality
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:AcceptedContents:Expedite the process of ratification of the OP-CEDAW.ExplanationWe intend to continue to cooperate with all the Human Rights Council mechanisms and will take steps during the implementation period to improve the signing and ratification of major international instruments.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 33) GoSL plans to ratify several Optional Protocols in the coming years. An objective of the on-going constitutional review process is, inter alia, to also incorporate some of the principles of international human rights espoused by the said Optional Protocols into the new constitution and thus make them as part of the supreme laws of the land. The Government is seeking donor support to enable it to prepare and submit the outstanding reports. A timetable for the submission of the reports supra is to be drawn in 2021 which will guide the GoSL.
Para 46) Sierra Leone signed the OP-CEDAW in September 2008 but has not ratified it. The Ebola Virus Disease in 2014 and the concurrent economic meltdown hampered the ratification process. With the election of a new government, came the Corona Virus pandemic. However, the Government has responded positively to the implementation of its contents.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:AzerbaijanAzerbaijanRegional groupEEGPolitical groupOICCISIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:AcceptedContents:Continue the implementation of the National Referral Protocol on Gender-based Violence and the National Plan of Action on Gender-based Violence (2012) all across the country.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 28) Launched in December 2018, the Office of the First Lady led a rigorous campaign titled ‘Hands Off Our Girls’. As part of a national response against sexual and gender-based violence and related violations in the country, the Sexual Offences Act of 2012 was amended. Also, the first ‘Sexual Offences Model Court’ has been set up and launched on 24 July 2020 to try sexual violence offenders. In further fulfilment of the Government’s mandate and its determination to address this heinous crime, the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice has established a team to process speedy trial of cases involving sexual and gender-based violence and related violations. Also, State Counsel have been instructed to oppose bail from perpetrators of sexual offences and to ensure that convicted sex offenders do not benefit from the power of the prerogative of mercy.
Para 29) There has been a sexual amendment (Amendment) Act, 2019. The Act increases the punishment for conviction of rape or sexual offences of minors. Before this, there was a state of emergency on rape and other offences in 2019.
Para 40) As demonstrated in the national reports Sierra Leone submitted to the First and Second Cycle reviews, significant work has been undertaken, including the passing of the undermentioned instruments, to implement many of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and to provide legislative safeguards for human rights: … • The Sexual Offences Act 2012; as amended by the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act, 2019;
Para 104) As a preventive measure, the GoSL formulated the National Male Involvement Strategy for the Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. It aims at, among other things, eradicating sexual and gender-based violence, promoting gender equality and upholding the rights and dignity of women and girls. The strategy adopts a socially transformative approach that focuses on the participation of men and boys as change agents and champions for protecting women and girls in their families, communities, schools and workplaces. It treats men not just as perpetrators of violence but as allies in changing power relations and systems in society that sustain gender inequality and violence.
Para 105) In 2019, the Government reviewed the Sexual Offences Act of 2012 and enacted the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2019 to increase the maximum penalty for Rape and Sexual Penetration of a child from 15 years’ imprisonment to a sentence of life imprisonment and introduced the new offence of aggravated sexual assault and an alternative conviction of aggravated sexual assault. Also, a ‘Sexual Offences Model Court’ has been set up to try sexual violence offenders. In 2020, the GoSL instituted a free health line for rape and SGBV victims to report the incidences. Between April and October, 2020, a total of 48,147 calls were processed.
Para 106) In further fulfilment of the Government’s mandate and its determination to address this heinous crime, the Office of Attorney-General and Minister of Justice has established a team to process speedy trial of cases involving sexual and gender-based violence and related violations. Also, State Counsel have been instructed to oppose bail from perpetrators of sexual offences and to ensure that convicted sex offenders do not benefit from the power of prerogative of mercy. The FSU of the SLP is being strengthened to adequately respond to sexual and gender-based violence cases.
Para 107) From 11 to 20 May 2017, the Decentralisation Secretariat in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) held consultative meetings with all 149 Paramount Chiefs in the country. These meetings addressed issues of violence against children and women. The Paramount Chiefs prepared action plans on how to prevent violence against children and women and promoting children welfare in their communities.
Para 119) Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) which is a perennial source of human rights violations is itself a complex mix of traditional beliefs and poverty that are experienced more by women, particularly by women in the rural areas and within the urban-rural enclaves.
UN Compilation:
Para 53) The United Nations country team commended Sierra Leone for the steps taken to address the increasing rate of reported cases of sexual and gender-based violence, including the launch of the “Hands off our girls” campaign in 2018, the development of a national strategy for the involvement of males in the prevention of and response to sexual and gender-based violence, and the establishment of a toll-free hotline to report cases of such violence. It also noted the assistance provided to victims.
Para 56) The United Nations country team remained concerned over the continuous prevalence of rape and other forms of sexual violence, including against children, and about the prolonged investigation and trial of cases reported to the police.
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 34) JS2 and JS3 welcomed that the Sexual Offenses Act was amended in 2019 to include additional sexual crimes and increased penalties for perpetrators of sexual violence against children. JS2 also welcomed the establishment of the Family Support Unit of the Police; the free toll line, the One-Stop-Centres, and related awareness raising campaigns. However, the organisations highlighted that significant issues should still to be addressed, such as rape, commercial child sexual exploitation.
Para 35) CUMG-SL stated that, while policies have been developed to combat sexual abuse against girls in school, those policies were challenged by inadequate support to ensure effective implementation.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:JamaicaJamaicaRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASACSCommonwealthIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Women's and / or girls' rights
- Adolescent pregnancy
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Permit teenage mothers to return to formal education and to sit exams while pregnant and after giving birth, including the use of gradual approaches, such as separate classes or sittings, aimed at breaking cycles of poverty, teenage pregnancy and domestic abuse.ExplanationNoted. Those recommendations that have been noted in this category will be addressed in due time. For lack of resources and priorities according to our social demands and capabilities we can only address those that enjoy our support. We continue to encourage the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone to work with communities to improve awareness of such issues notedImplementationNational Report:
Para 27) The ban on pregnant girls in school that was introduced in 2015 was lifted on 30 March 2020. This is in conformity with recommendation of ending measures that excluded young pregnant girls from the mainstream educational system.
Para 57) On the 30 March 2020, the GoSL through its MBSSE lifted the ban on pregnant girls from participating in school education and this has been replaced by a new policy. The new policy of “radical inclusion and comprehensive safety” which under its treaty obligation under the ICESC article 2(1) encourages a progressive realisation of universal education for all children without any discrimination.
Para 58) Accordingly, the new policy “is building a radically inclusive Sierra Leone where all children – regardless of class, ethnicity, tribe, disability, location, gender reproductive or parental status – can live and learn in safety and dignity.’’ The Free Quality School Education (FQSE) framework lays out an overarching vision and holistic set of principles, towards a Sierra Leone where all children are entitled to meaningful and equitable opportunities to learn and prosper. This is an eloquent testament to the Government’s commitment to accessible and quality education (SDG 4), and gender equality (SDG 5).
Para 54) The United Nations country team stated that, as a response to a decision of the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States, in 2019, Sierra Leone had established a sexual and reproductive health task force to advise on issues relating to the inclusion of adolescent girls and other vulnerable groups into the education system and on how to integrate comprehensive sexuality education into the basic education curriculum. In 2020, the ban on visibly pregnant girls attending schools had been lifted, and two policies, on radical inclusion and on comprehensive safety, for all children in the education system, had been developed. The United Nations country team commended Sierra Leone for the steps taken to facilitate the return of pregnant girls to school.
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 58) JS4 noted that according to a report of UNICEF, three out of every ten school girls are excluded from education as result of teenage pregnancy.
Para 61) JS3 indicated that, as a response to the ban on 2015 on pregnant girls attending school, in a decision of December 2019, the ECOWAS Court of Justice found that the policy barring girls from attending school, amounted to discrimination and human rights violations. JS2 and JS3 noted, however that deep seated challenges still remain, including policy measures to reverse the societal attitudes that support discrimination against pregnant girls.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:CzechiaCzechiaRegional groupEEGPolitical groupEUIssue:
- Harmful practices based on cultural / traditional values
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Introduce the total legislative ban of female genital mutilation, to initiate a public discussion and awareness-raising campaign on female genital mutilation as a violation of human rights of girls and women.ExplanationNoted. We continue to reaffirm our commitment to improve human rights. However, we will continue to consult local stakeholders on a clear and definitive policy regarding harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 39) Some of the recommendations by CRC, which are accepted include, … the criminalisation of FGM.
Para 59) There is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government and the ‘Sowei’ Council is in place as a strategy to ending FGM, which calls for girls under the age of 18 years not to be circumcised. The Government is using the free quality school education as an entry point to sensitise girls of the harms of FGM and eventually eliminating its prevalence. The Government is also working closely with campaigners on ending FGM to engage the practitioners and to work towards finalisation of the National Strategy for Reduction of FGM. Despite the MoU that children should consent to initiation, the practice is on-going regardless.
Para 60) In this regard, much has been done through collaborative engagement between state and non-state actors with the MGCA taking the lead in reaching to the general public on the continuous promotion of awareness against FGM in the Country. Girls and women aged between 15–49 years who have undergone FGM dropped from 89% in 2011 to 86.1 % in 2019.
Para 118) Some violations have always been inherent within the structures of the society for decades, predicated upon dubious traditional practices and beliefs. FGM, as a harmful practice on the girl child, is difficult to eliminate or legislate out of existence because of the traditional and cultural belief systems.
UN Compilation:
Para 20) The United Nations country team noted that traditional harmful practices, such as female genital mutilation, remained prevalent in Sierra Leone. While noting successful efforts to include practitioners of female genital mutilation in the fight against such mutilation, the Committee on the Rights of the Child was seriously concerned that female genital mutilation was still not prohibited in law for children.
Para 21) The United Nations country team regretted that, despite measures taken, secret societies continued to practise female genital mutilation, including on underage girls. It noted that in 2019, following reports of misuse of secret societies, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development had banned the activities of secret societies.
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 32) European Centre for Law and Justice (ECLJ) was alarmed that, despite efforts deployed by the Government, Sierra Leone still had one of the highest rates of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the word, with an estimated 90% of women and girls having suffered mutilation. Plan International (PI) regretted the lack of legislation criminalizing FGM. According to JS2, CUMG-SL and ECLJ, Sierra Leone continued to face challenges in combating FGM because it is rooted in cultural and traditional practices. ECLJ emphasized the negative role of the Bondo society who encouraged and carried out FGM ceremonies, and noted that, while initiations are illegal, there was still not a law against the pervasive practice of FGM itself in force.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:SenegalSenegalRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICOIFIssue:
- Harmful practices based on cultural / traditional values
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
- Women's and / or girls' rights
- Women's participation
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Make additional efforts to enhance the role of women in public life and ensure that these efforts are combined, for girls, with the abolition of female genital mutilation, whether it is consented to or not.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 22) The GOSL has taken further steps with regards to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and has signed an agreement with the traditional heads banning the initiation of girls below the age of 18. There has also been policy measures put forward by the GOSL concerning the rights of the child including: the National Child Welfare Policy and Alternative Care Policy, and a policy that allows for a Family Support Unit within the Sierra Leone Police.
Para 43) On the issue of FGM, it is culturally entrenched in the Sierra Leone but efforts are being made to address the prevalence of this practice. One of the flagship projects in the Agenda for Prosperity, especially Pillar 8 on: 'Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment', is the enactment of law against underage initiation rites of passage for girls. It is hoped that this can be an entry point for the elimination of the practice in the long run. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed at the local level with the Soweis to eliminate under-18 initiations. Massive sensitization campaigns continue with constructive advocacy and engagement with the Council of Soweis and other FGM stakeholders. The expected outcome aims to create an alternative means of livelihood for Soweis especially through access to micro-credit and business skills
Para 50) The GOSL recognizes that some traditional practices have proven harmful and violates the basic rights of individuals. It is therefore advocating, also as a nation, on the importance of the age limit set in the Child Right's Act (18). This enactment was promulgated as a deterrent to FGM and Child Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM). However, the Law Reform Commission is still working on the amendment of the Customary Marriage Act which currently allows marriage below 18, but with the consent of the parent/guardian. It is hoped that by the third cycle, this law will be in conformity with the age of maturity or consent, that is: 18 years -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:Russian FederationRussian FederationRegional groupEEGPolitical groupCISIssue:
- Inappropriate content
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:AcceptedContents:Continue supporting the family institution, which is one of the most important units in achieving goals of sustainable development goals in any State. -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:AngolaAngolaRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUIssue:
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:AcceptedContents:Promote school enrolment of girls and literacy of women.ExplanationWe are convinced that building a strong economy and a democratic and politically stable society require capable and educated citizens. We will continue to expand the boundaries of education as part of our democratic development and post-Ebola future.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 30) According to the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) assessment report of 2020, Sierra Leone has registered remarkable strides in the improvement of policies with human rights implications. The policies calculated in percentage terms are as follows: … completion of primary education by girls, 68% …
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 59) CUMG-SL noted that payment of tuition fees was a major hindrance to school completion rate in the country, especially for girls …
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:Stakeholder SummaryIssue:
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:Review DocumentationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:Reference AddressedContents:AI stated that discriminatory provisions against women remain under Section 27(4)(d) of the Constitution, in relation to adoption, marriage, divorce, burial, devolution of property on death, and other areas of customary law, and recommended the abolishment of that section. [Para 32] -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:MexicoMexicoRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASOEIACSIssue:
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Remove obstacles preventing women having effective access to justice and adopt appropriate measures to promote basic legal assistance and knowledge of women's rights, including the right to obtain redress in the courts. -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:ArmeniaArmeniaRegional groupEEGPolitical groupCISOIFIssue:
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Take concerted, decisive steps to eliminate female genital mutilation.
ExplanationNoted. Sierra Leone has in place several measures to address the human rights concerns of female genital mutilation (FGM). Despite those measures, the right to associate and freedom of assembly conflict with some of the recommendations that call for a complete ban on FGM.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:CanadaCanadaRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupOASOIFCommonwealthIssue:
- Harmful practices based on cultural / traditional values
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Facilitate an inclusive national dialogue on female genital mutilation and put in place, in cooperation with tribal chiefs, religious leaders and women's groups, effective measures to eliminate the practice.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 22) The GOSL has taken further steps with regards to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and has signed an agreement with the traditional heads banning the initiation of girls below the age of 18. There has also been policy measures put forward by the GOSL concerning the rights of the child including: the National Child Welfare Policy and Alternative Care Policy, and a policy that allows for a Family Support Unit within the Sierra Leone Police.
Para 43) On the issue of FGM, it is culturally entrenched in the Sierra Leone but efforts are being made to address the prevalence of this practice. One of the flagship projects in the Agenda for Prosperity, especially Pillar 8 on: 'Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment', is the enactment of law against underage initiation rites of passage for girls. It is hoped that this can be an entry point for the elimination of the practice in the long run. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed at the local level with the Soweis to eliminate under-18 initiations. Massive sensitization campaigns continue with constructive advocacy and engagement with the Council of Soweis and other FGM stakeholders. The expected outcome aims to create an alternative means of livelihood for Soweis especially through access to micro-credit and business skills
Para 50) The GOSL recognizes that some traditional practices have proven harmful and violates the basic rights of individuals. It is therefore advocating, also as a nation, on the importance of the age limit set in the Child Right's Act (18). This enactment was promulgated as a deterrent to FGM and Child Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM). However, the Law Reform Commission is still working on the amendment of the Customary Marriage Act which currently allows marriage below 18, but with the consent of the parent/guardian. It is hoped that by the third cycle, this law will be in conformity with the age of maturity or consent, that is: 18 years -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:Stakeholder SummaryIssue:
- Maternal health / morbidity / mortality
Type:Review DocumentationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:NeglectedContents:... AI recommended that Sierra Leone address the impact of Ebola on women, particularly on the provision of maternal health services ... [Para 61] -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:FranceFranceRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUOIFIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
- Women's and / or girls' rights
- Sexual and / or reproductive rights and / or health broadly
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Combat all forms of violence against women and girls, including female genital mutilation, and promote their rights, including access to sexual and reproductive rights and health.
ExplanationNoted. Sierra Leone has in place several measures to address the human rights concerns of female genital mutilation (FGM). Despite those measures, the right to associate and freedom of assembly conflict with some of the recommendations that call for a complete ban on FGM.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Gender equality
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:Review DocumentationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:Reference AddressedContents:The CEDAW was particularly concerned that section 27 (d) (4) of the Constitution discriminated against women and that other statutory and customary norms that discriminated against women remained in force. It called upon Sierra Leone to repeal that section, incorporate the principle of equality between women and men into the Constitution and swiftly enact the gender equality and women's empowerment bill. [Para 14] -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:SpainSpainRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUOEIIssue:
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Legally prohibit all forms of female genital mutilation and conduct awareness-raising campaigns.
ExplanationNoted. Sierra Leone has in place several measures to address the human rights concerns of female genital mutilation (FGM). Despite those measures, the right to associate and freedom of assembly conflict with some of the recommendations that call for a complete ban on FGM.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:AustraliaAustraliaRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupPIFCommonwealthIssue:
- Intersex persons' rights
- Discrimination based on sexual orientation
- Discrimination based on gender identity
- Rights of same-sex desiring persons
- Transgender persons' rights
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Pass anti-discrimination legislation to explicitly extend protection to LGBTI persons and prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:CroatiaCroatiaRegional groupEEGPolitical groupEUIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Sexual violence
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Strengthen your efforts in addressing rape and other forms of sexual violence against women and girls, by ensuring accountability and providing support to victims.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:National ReportIssue:
- Sexual harassment
Type:Review DocumentationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:N/AContents:The Ministry of Defence(MOD)/Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forced (RSLAF) has reintroduced the Court Martial System and a Legal Department to strengthen the armed forces' capacity to prosecute, defend and punish personnel found guilty. The RSLAF Sexual Harassment and Fraternisation Policies have been endorsed by the Defence Policy Committee (DPC). These policies serve as guides to all on their behaviour and also prescribe punishment for those who infringe on these policies. The MOD/RSLAF has set up a Sexual Harassment Board with two Brigadiers as members. The board investigates sexual harassment incidents and offer recommendations. [Para 23]
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:CambodiaCambodiaRegional groupAsia-Pacific GroupPolitical groupASEANOIFIssue:
- Women's participation
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Continue taking additional steps to increase women’s representation in the parliament, government and municipalities.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:BotswanaBotswanaRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUCommonwealthIssue:
- Birth registration
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Strengthen the nationwide structures responsible for registration of births, with a view to achieving the timely registration of all births and the clearing of backlogs with respect to unregistered children.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:National ReportIssue:
- Harmful practices based on cultural / traditional values
Type:Review DocumentationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:N/AContents:"Sex/gender discrimination founded on the cultural beliefs and traditional practices of some of the ethnic groups persist. In Paramount Chieftaincy, for example, women cannot become Paramount Chiefs on account of their sex, as the institution is anchored in male only secret societies. Government views these practices as untenable, considering the
important role of the institution in governance and the maintenance of good order in society and is committed to their gradual phasing out. [Para 56]" -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
Type:Review DocumentationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:Reference AddressedContents:"The High Commissioner recommended adoption of a national strategy for the elimination of violence against women. [Para 26]" -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:Stakeholder SummaryIssue:
- Early marriage
Type:Review DocumentationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:NeglectedContents:"HRCSL, while noting the law which criminalized early marriage for persons below the age of 18 years, stated that the practice was still prevalent, particularly in rural areas, and called on the Government to take more stringent actions against perpetrators of such acts. [Para 45]" -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Birth registration
Type:Review DocumentationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Reference AddressedContents:The United Nations country team welcomed progress made in the implementation of the civil registration and vital statistics system, and the fact that a mobile application for registering births and deaths was being developed to enhance the civil registration system across the country. UNHCR recommended that Sierra Leone strengthen the civil registration mechanisms to ensure that every child was registered immediately after birth and that late birth registration procedures were accessible to all unregistered individuals born in the territory. The United Nations country team recommended that the Government allocate the necessary resources to the National Civil Registration Authority to ensure the effective operationalization of the civil registration and vital statistics system in all areas of the country. [Para 9]