Displaying 45026 - 45050 of 58160 recommendations found
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:Stakeholder SummaryIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
- Sexual violence
Type:Review DocumentationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Reference AddressedContents:HRCSL recommended developing a National Action Plan to address Sexual and Gender Based Violence, and enacting a specific law to prohibit Female Genital Mutilation. [Para 7]
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:AzerbaijanAzerbaijanRegional groupEEGPolitical groupOICCISIssue:
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Continue its measures to further improve the human rights of women.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 5) ... The review of the 1991 Constitution is on-going, with key issues such as ... gender discrimination, taking the lead in the debate.
Para 6) ... There has also been progress in promoting human rights, gender equality, youth development, addressing corruption, law reform, and the ratification of treaties, as well as in handing out a presidential apology to women for harms they suffered and reparations for victims, as recommended by the TRC ...
Para 7) However, the implementation of the TRC recommendations is still ongoing: ... the repeal of sections (27(4)(d) and (e) of the Constitution which are discriminatory against women, the enactment of the 30% quota for women ...
Para 8) There are some recommendations that we have under consideration whist some have not been implemented, such as ... the request that the Government of Sierra ... create a Gender Commission
Para 21) Sierra Leone is a firm believer in advancing gender issues and is still working towards the promulgation of the 30% quota bill; the Agenda Prosperity has the empowerment of women as its 8th Pillar. The concerned Ministry namely, the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children Affairs (MSWGCA) has since the last review, implemented a National Gender Strategic Plan. A National Steering Committee was set up for the implementation of the National Action Plan on Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820.
Para 48) In the case of the sister resolutions on 1325 ad 1820, the Ministry has transformed the National Taskforce for the development of the SILNAP on 1325 and 1820 into a National Steering Committee for full implementation. The Ministry has concluded a second phase of the Gender and Security Sector Reform Project aimed at building the capacity of stakeholders and rural women for their engagement in security sector apparatus at the local level.
Para 52) The GOSL has taken affirmative action for the improvement of women's participation in public life through the appointment of several women in key leadership positions in the country. Positions taken by women include; (the immediate past) Chief Justice, Solicitor General, Administrator-Registrar General, Commissioner General of National Revenue Authority, Commissioner of Law Reform Commission, Auditor General, Commissioners of National Elections Commission including the former Chief Electoral Commissioner, Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Government, Honourable Members of Parliament, Ambassadors, Heads of Chanceries, Executive Secretaries, Commissioners of Human Rights Commission, Heads of Agencies and Parastatals, among others. The Government has enshrined in the Agenda for Prosperity the enactment of the legislation on a minimum 30% quota for women at all levels of governance positions.
Para 78) ... As reported by the School Census Report and the 2013 Country Status Report on Education, gender parity has been achieved at the pre-primary level and is almost achieved at the primary school level. Gender parity is increasing rapidly at the junior and senior secondary school levels and enrolment is increasing at a remarkable rate. The ratio of girls to boys at the different levels are as follows:
- Pre-primary GPI: 1.04 (2010); 1.08 (2011)
- Primary GPI: 0.94 (2010); 0.98 (2011)
- Junior Sec. GPI: 0.80 (2010); 0.89 (2011)
- Senior Sec. GPI: 0.59 (2010); 0.73 (2011)
Para 80) The GOSL is cognizant of the fact that education is the key to development and has reflected this view in some key pillars of the Agenda for Prosperity (Accelerating Human Development; Labour and Employment strategy; Social Protection and Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment). In the Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment pillar of the AFP, measures are being put in place to ensure that women's access to education is enhanced, especially the retention of girls in schools and adult literacy. Special programs such as scholarship schemes are available for girls taking up science and technology courses and free tuition is provided for girls up to junior secondary school level and this is intended to contribute to gender parity
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 21) ... The Gender Equality Bill, which provides for a minimum 30% representation of women in Parliament, local councils and ministries, has yet to be enacted ...
Para 54) TCC noted that a disproportionately low number of women stood as candidates in the 2012 elections, as one of the principal shortfalls of the electoral process. The participation of women candidates was impeded by high registration fees, intimidation, societal attitudes, and a history of electoral violence ...
Para 49) The GOSL has made several efforts through the MSWGCA in raising awareness on gender equality issues across the country. As set out in the Agenda for Prosperity, particularly Pillar 8, the GOSL has identified flagship projects to undertake. These include the development and passage of a minimum 30% quota for women in governance at all levels; the establishment of the Women's Commission and the development of a comprehensive policy on gender equality and women's empowerment. The Ministry has begun initiating actions on these flagship projects and intends to accomplish them before the end of 2014. It has also appointed a gender focal point in each ministry and governmental agency, ensuring that the appointee is a permanent member of staff at a senior level. Gender mainstreaming is a new plan of action and is also a criterion for any evaluation by the Minister of MSWGCA. -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:NorwayNorwayRegional groupWEOGIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Adopt a national strategy for the elimination of violence against women.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 11) A lot of advancements were made in reforming laws and safeguarding the rights of the people. Several legislations were also promulgated during that period such as the Persons with Disability Act 2011, Right to Access to Information Act 2013 and the Sexual Offences Act 2012 ... and the Customary Marriage Act 2007, which is in parts contradictory with regards to the age limit and the principle of consent
Para 21) ... In 2012 a National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence and the National Referral Protocol on Gender-Based Violence was developed and launched. The President went a step further on the 8th March 2013, by declaring "Violence against women is violence against the State".
Para 48) ... Additionally, the MSWGCA developed and launched the National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the National Referral Protocol on Gender-Based Violence in 2012. The implementation of the National Referral Protocol on GBV continues all across the country.
UN Compilation:
Para 11) ... The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the Committee against Torture welcomed the adoption in 2012 of the National Referral Protocol on Gender-based Violence and the National Plan of Action on Gender-based Violence.
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 21) AI noted that Sierra Leone has taken initiatives to improve its human rights framework, such as enactment of the Sexual Offences Act 2012 ...
Para 43) JS2 noted that in the first cycle report, several recommendations were presented to tackle gender based violence and sexual abuse of women and children in Sierra Leone. Though Sierra Leone has made some progress in this area by passing the Sexual Offences Act in 2012 and the three gender Acts in 2007, lack of effective implementation and enforcement of these laws continue to make particularly girls and women vulnerable to such crimes ... -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:IndiaIndiaRegional groupAsia-Pacific GroupPolitical groupCommonwealthIssue:
- Women's and / or girls' rights
- Trafficking in women and / or girls
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Consider strengthening its efforts to combat trafficking in women and children and to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women.
Explanation... will be further strengthened by the seven ILO conventions recently ratified.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:DenmarkDenmarkRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUIssue:
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Prohibit all forms of 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:MalawiMalawiRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUCommonwealthIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
- Sexual violence
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Develop a national action plan to address sexual and gender-based violence and increasing efforts to eliminate female genital mutilation by enacting specific legislation.
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:GermanyGermanyRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUIssue:
- Harmful practices based on cultural / traditional values
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Abolish FGM and as a first step support those initiatives from within the country which call for prohibiting FGM at least for minors of under 18 years age.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:FijiFijiRegional groupAsia-Pacific GroupPolitical groupPIFCommonwealthIssue:
- Women's and / or girls' rights
- Adolescent pregnancy
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Continue to make education a priority by addressing obstacles to school attendance and completion, and ensuring that pregnant girls return to school.
ExplanationThese recommendations focus on education, which forms part of the Government's flagship programme for human capital development. Government has substantially increased budgetary allocation to all sectors of education. The ban on pregnant girls has been lifted.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:SwedenSwedenRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUIssue:
- Sexuality education
- Contraception
- Abortion
- Sexual and / or reproductive rights and / or health broadly
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Further improve sexual and reproductive health services, particularly for adolescents, including improved access to contraceptives and safe and legal abortion as well as comprehensive sexuality education.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:Russian FederationRussian FederationRegional groupEEGPolitical groupCISIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Take effective measures to combat violence against women.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:South AfricaSouth AfricaRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUCommonwealthIssue:
- Gender equality
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Expedite the enactment of the Gender Equality Bill, which provides for a minimum of 30% representation of women in parliament, local councils, ministries, departments and agencies.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:FranceFranceRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUOIFIssue:
- Harmful practices based on cultural / traditional values
- International human rights instruments
- Gender equality
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Continue to adapt the legislation to ensure the full implementation of CEDAW and, in particular, expressly prohibit and criminalize female genital mutilation.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: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:MozambiqueMozambiqueRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthIssue:
- Early marriage
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Take necessary measures to prevent early marriages.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:DjiboutiDjiboutiRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICALOIFIssue:
- International human rights instruments
- Gender equality
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:AcceptedContents:Ratify 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:PolandPolandRegional groupEEGPolitical groupEUIssue:
- Harmful practices based on cultural / traditional values
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Enact legislation to prohibit female genital mutilation and conduct awareness-raising programmes in this regard, particularly for parents, women and girls.ExplanationNoted. We will however continue to maintain a ban on the initiation of under-18 girls while engaging our public on the future of 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:IrelandIrelandRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUIssue:
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Reverse the policy barring pregnant girls from attending schools and sitting state examinations, and encourage girls to return to school after childbirth.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:NorwayNorwayRegional groupWEOGIssue:
- Maternal health / morbidity / mortality
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Review the current maternity health-care policies and introduce necessary changes to ensure pregnant women's access to medical facilities throughout the country.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 26) Paramount in this drive is the improvement in women's healthcare issues through the implementation of a major health care policy, the Free Health Care (FHC) initiative for pregnant women [and] lactating mothers ...
Para 29) To address the causes of maternal mortality, the Campaign for the Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality (CARMMA) was launched in March 2010 with a threefold strategy; to prevent unwanted pregnancies, and to prevent and treat complications. Family planning was identified as a key strategy for reducing maternal mortality and was integrated into the FHC initiative and into district plans. It is provided free in all government health facilities. A substantial reduction in fatality rates has been recorded since the inception of the FHC.
Para 81) ... The first National Health Sector Strategic Plan (NHSSP) 2010-2015 was adopted to develop the country's health sector. The strategies contained in the plan especially focus on the Free Health Care (FHC) initiative for pregnant women, lactating mothers and children below five years of age ...
Para 83) A Performance Based Financing (PBF) Scheme was introduced at the PHU level in April 2011 and at the hospital level in April 2012. All public PHUs and some private clinics are currently eligible to receive PBFs. PBF for primary healthcare focuses on six key areas of reproductive and child health interventions which are assessed for performance adjustment, namely; family planning, antenatal consultations, safe deliveries, postnatal consultations ...
UN Compilation:
Para 62) The Human Rights Committee welcomed the introduction in 2010 of free health care for lactating mothers and young children.
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 60) JS3 stated that the Government is still supporting the 2010 Free Health Care Initiative for children under five years, lactating mothers and pregnant women. WV stated that the scale and severity of the Ebola outbreak has significantly devastated Sierra Leone's health system which was ill-equipped and resourced to handle such an outbreak ... -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:AlbaniaAlbaniaRegional groupEEGPolitical groupOICOIFIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Sexual violence
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:AcceptedContents:Implement a zero-tolerance policy on sexual and gender-based violence and ensure the prosecution of all perpetrators of violence against women, combined with rehabilitation and support for victims.ExplanationWe 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 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:SwitzerlandSwitzerlandRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupOIFIssue:
- Harmful practices based on cultural / traditional values
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Prohibit legally female genital mutilation, as previously recommended.ExplanationWe 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 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:MalaysiaMalaysiaRegional groupAsia-Pacific GroupPolitical groupASEANOICCommonwealthIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:AcceptedContents:Ensure access to justice for vulnerable groups, especially women and children, whom have been victimized by violence and abuse.ExplanationWe continue to promote a robust reform agenda for our justice system as part of our constitutional and democratic development.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 108) LAB provides free legal advice and representation in civil and criminal matters for indigents especially women, Ebola survivors and those in rural communities who face real prospects of discrimination. In this regard, the work of LAB contributes to enforcing laws and policies that promote gender equality. Between May 2015 to December 2018 a total of 214,476 people (including 39,834 children and 30,009 women) including non-Sierra Leoneans benefited from services provided by LAB.
Para 109) LAB introduced Alternative Dispute Resolution or Mediation mechanisms in March 2016. The service is provided in every district in the country following the recruitment and deployment of 35 Paralegals. LAB recorded 97,838 people benefited from ADR services since its inception in 2016. This accounts for 46% of beneficiaries of the scheme. A total of 48,452 people have benefitted from ADR in 2018. This accounts for 45% of beneficiaries of the scheme for that period. From that total figure, 23,789 children benefitted from the ADR service in 2018. This accounts for 49% of beneficiaries.
Para 110) The GoSL is pleased to report that the ADR scheme is helping to reduce the pressure on the police and the courts’ time. This is because community-level disputes in civil matters which were reported to the police or courts for adjudication are now reported to LAB mediation centres. Moreover, the police and the courts are also referring civil matters to LAB for mediation. This scheme has contributed to improving access to justice.
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 37) JS8 regretted that women detained are not offered legal advise, and due to strong patriarchal cultures, they may lack the skills necessary to bring a complaint and enforces their rights.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UruguayUruguayRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASOEIIssue:
- Women's and / or girls' rights
- Adolescent pregnancy
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:AcceptedContents:Continuing education programmes and early warning concerning teen pregnancies and ensure that girls and pregnant teenagers continue their studies during pregnancy.ImplementationNational 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 87) In December 2018, the National Strategy for the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy and Child Marriage was officially launched by the GoSL. Full implementation of this Strategy will be followed by Regional launches.
UN Compilation:
Para 45) The United Nations country team noted that access to quality health care remained a concern, particularly for women and adolescent girls. The high maternal mortality ratio and neonatal mortality ratio were further worsened by other long-term health complications, such as obstetric fistula, uterine prolapse and infertility. According to the Demographic and Health Survey 2013, about 28 per cent of adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 were pregnant or had given birth. The impact of COVID-19 on maternal health and family planning services, including prenatal and postnatal care, might lead to an increase in unplanned pregnancies and maternal mortality.
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.
Para 57) The CRC was concerned that, although the minimum age for marriage was set at 18 years, the Registration of Customary Marriage and Divorce Act, 2009 allowed for exceptions, and child marriage, especially of girls, remained highly prevalent in Sierra Leone.
Para 58) The United Nations country team welcomed the approval of the National Strategy for the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy and Child Marriage (2018–2022) …
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 49) … JS3 referred to the negative impact of poverty on the health of women and indicated that poverty has been identified as one of the primary causes of Obstetric Fistura and early pregnancies.
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:Stakeholder SummaryIssue:
- Harmful practices based on cultural / traditional values
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
Type:Review DocumentationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:Reference AddressedContents:TDF recommended adopting explicit national laws against FGM to support its elimination and achieve women rights standards. [Para 26]