Displaying 45026 - 45050 of 58160 recommendations found
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:Stakeholder SummaryIssue:
- International human rights instruments
Type:Review DocumentationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:Reference AddressedContents:"Joint Submission 1 (JS1) recommended that Sierra Leone sign and ratify the OP-ICESCR … [Para 2]" -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:SloveniaSloveniaRegional groupEEGPolitical groupEUIssue:
- Gender equality
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:AcceptedContents:Take all necessary measures to ensure that girls are protected against any discrimination and violence in schools, and that pregnant teenagers enjoy equal access to education.ExplanationSierra Leone will ensure that discrimination of any class of its citizens is prohibited. Knowing that a review of the constitution is ongoing and changes most likely in those areas noted, we remain confident in the process and we know a more robust protection for all disadvantaged groups will emerge.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 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% …
UN Compilation:
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 59) CUMG-SL noted that payment of tuition fees was a major hindrance to school completion rate in the country, especially for girls …
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:ChileChileRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASOEIIssue:
- Discrimination based on sexual orientation
- Discrimination based on gender identity
- Violence on the basis of sexual orientation
- Violence on the basis of gender identity
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Strengthen norms and programmes to combat discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.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 noted.ImplementationStakeholder Summary:
Para 42) International Service for Human Rights (JS9) stated that journalists, Human Rights Defenders, Lesbian, Gays, Bisexual, Transsexuals and Intersex activists have been subjected to attacks, arbitrary detention and other forms of intimidation.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:JapanJapanRegional groupAsia-Pacific GroupIssue:
- Harmful practices based on cultural / traditional values
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Continue to take measures to protect and promote the human rights of women, including the introduction of legislation to prohibit female genital mutilation.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 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 39) Some of the recommendations by CRC, which are accepted include, … the criminalisation of FGM.
Para 44) Gender discrimination is largely a result of long-standing social and cultural norms and gender stereotyping that dictate relationships, roles, and responsibilities between men and women, as well as access to power, resources, and privileges. These are further reinforced by a range of discriminatory laws, including statutory and customary laws. Even when national laws are enacted to address these inequalities, effective enforcement has always been the major challenge for some sociological reasons.
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.
Para 47) On 23 March 2017, the Government launched its new National Land Policy to address land-based discrimination, especially against women. The National Land Policy 2017 guarantees equal rights for both women and men, and the elimination of all forms of discriminations against women regarding equitable access and control over land resources. The policy calls for the amendment of the Sierra Leone Constitution to include provisions that ensure that women have the right to full and equal protection by the law and have the right not to be discriminated against based on their gender or marital status.
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 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 7) The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations country team welcomed the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2017, which provided transmission of citizenship also by mothers.
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.
Para 52) The United Nations country team noted that Sierra Leone had ratified major international and regional treaties and conventions that upheld equality and prohibited discrimination based on gender. However, Sierra Leone was ranked 153rd out of 162 countries in the 2018 gender inequality index. Gender inequalities were exacerbated by discriminatory cultural norms that impinged on women’s access to power, resources and privileges. The prohibition of discrimination based on gender in the areas of marriage, divorce, adoption and devolution of property on death was established in the Constitution.
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 23) CUMG-SL noted with satisfaction that the Citizens Act of 1973 was repealed in 2017 in order to recognize the right of women to transfer citizenship.
Para 24) JS3 regretted the lack of legislative reforms to guarantee the right of women to transmit citizenship to their foreign spouses on an equal basis with men.
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.
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.
Para 39) JS8 was concerned that petty offences, including “loitering” are enforced under outdated and vague laws that are incorrectly applied, which give the police wide discretion for enforcement. It regretted that women are disproportionally affected …
Para 50) NaCFoHRD was concerned that a very high number of people in Sierra Leone lack basic safe drinking water and food, and faced poor housing facilities, particularly women and children in rural areas.
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 59) CUMG-SL noted that payment of tuition fees was a major hindrance to school completion rate in the country, especially for girls …
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:LaosLaosRegional groupAsia-Pacific GroupPolitical groupASEANOIFIssue:
- Marginalized groups of women
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:AcceptedContents:Ensure that vulnerable groups, especially women and children in rural areas, have access to quality health care services.ExplanationWe have fought a tough battle with an epidemic that ravaged not only the lives of its people but also the foundations of its economy. Whilst we are rebuilding, we are aware that other states might have best practice models to share, for which we welcome every support we can get in molding the health sector into a one that will afford proper care for all.ImplementationUN Compilation:
Para 45) The United Nations country team noted that access to quality health care remained a concern, particularly for women and adolescent girls.
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 52) JS4 was concerned at unequal access to health care for women, and that women’s specific health needs had not sufficiently been taken into account in the health sector. JS4 particularly noted that many women suffered from obstetric fistula, caused by prolonged, obstructed childbirth and lack of access to maternity care; maternal death and disability, sexual transmitted infections, including HIV, and cervical cancer.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:Stakeholder SummaryIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Sexual violence
Type:Review DocumentationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:Reference AddressedContents:... JS2 recommended ensuring implementation of the Sexual Offences Act 2012 and strengthen Family Support Units, Prosecutors, Hospitals, Social Service providers and the Court ... [Para 43] -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Harmful practices based on cultural / traditional values
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
Type:Review DocumentationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:NeglectedContents:The Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief stressed that religious communities and their umbrella organizations should speak out publicly against harmful practices, which were sometimes broadly associated with tradition, culture or religion. A clear public stance articulated by religious communities against gender-related violence, particularly female genital mutilation, would contribute to overcoming such cruel practices. [Para 29] -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Marginalized groups of women
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:Review DocumentationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:NeglectedContents:The CEDAW called upon Sierra Leone to pay special attention to the needs of rural women and ensure that they participated in decision-making processes at the community level and in development planning, and that they had equal access to basic services and infrastructures and economic opportunities. [Para 59] -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:MalaysiaMalaysiaRegional groupAsia-Pacific GroupPolitical groupASEANOICCommonwealthIssue:
- HIV and AIDS
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Strengthen efforts to eliminate discrimination against children in vulnerable situations, among others children with disabilities and children living with HIV/AIDS.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Harmful practices based on cultural / traditional values
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
Type:Review DocumentationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:NeglectedContents:CRC urged Sierra Leone, inter alia, to provide practitioners who give up FGM with adequate training and support to find alternative sources of income. [Para 25; CRC] -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:MoroccoMoroccoRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupOICALOIFIssue:
- Women's participation
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Redouble the efforts to ensure that women are represented in political life and implement recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in that regard.ImplementationNational Report:
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 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.
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:UN CompilationIssue:
- Early marriage
Type:Review DocumentationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Reference AddressedContents:The United Nations country team … urged the Government to enforce the Child Rights Act and enact the bill on the prohibition of child marriage. [Para 58]
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:Stakeholder SummaryIssue:
- Gender equality
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:Review DocumentationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Not Followed up with a RecommendationContents:PI recommended that Sierra Leone eliminate discrimination against women and girls in law and in practice, including by accelerating the constitutional amendments in the area of gender equality. JS4 recommended to carry out awareness raising campaigns for both men and women, on the rights of women. [Para 62]
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:CanadaCanadaRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupOASOIFCommonwealthIssue:
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Explicitly criminalize the practice of female genital mutilation regardless of age and promote social awareness through education 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:GermanyGermanyRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUIssue:
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Implement awareness raising programs for parents, women, girls and traditional an religious leaders as well as suitable legal instruments and financial and structural support for civil society groups fighting against 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:RwandaRwandaRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthIssue:
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Intensify efforts to fully 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:United StatesUnited StatesRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupOASIssue:
- Criminal laws on same-sex sexual practices
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Repeal the 1861 law which criminalizes same-sex sexual activity between men.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:United KingdomUnited KingdomRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUCommonwealthIssue:
- Forced marriage
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Criminalise forced marriage and provide ongoing support to victims of forced marriage and victims of modern slavery.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:IndonesiaIndonesiaRegional groupAsia-Pacific GroupPolitical groupASEANOICIssue:
- Gender equality
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Strengthen regulations on gender equality to expand meaningful and equitable opportunities for girls and women to learn and prosper.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:National ReportIssue:
- Gender equality
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:Review DocumentationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:N/AContents:"An important policy in the Ministry of Education, Youths and Sports to meet
Education for All girls by 2015 is the Girl Child Education Support. Under this policy,
actions have been taken by the GOSL to support the education of the girl child nationwide.
GOSL has further reviewed this through its Girl-Child Support Programme in the junior
secondary schools and therefore stepped up its Gender Parity Programme. Free education is
available for primary level i.e. class1 – class 6 generally whilst the girl-child has added
incentive of a free education up to B.E.C.E level with paid up B.E.C.E. examination fees. [Para 73]" -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:ChileChileRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASOEIIssue:
- International human rights instruments
- Gender equality
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:AcceptedContents:Move towards speedy ratification of the OP-CEDAW including an effective programme for their implementation.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:UN CompilationIssue:
- Sexual abuse
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
Type:Review DocumentationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:Reference AddressedContents:"CRC raised concerns about the situation of child victims of sexual and gender-based violence and abuse. [Para 27]" -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:OmanOmanRegional groupAsia-Pacific GroupPolitical groupOICALIssue:
- Gender equality
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Pass a law guaranteeing gender equality and take the necessary measures to empower women and society.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 noted.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 15) In respect of saving livelihoods [during the COVID-10 pandemic], vulnerable groups were given safety nets in the form of expanded cash transfer programmes of Le 35,000 to Le 100,000 for households with a quota of persons with disabilities. Workers, both in the informal and formal sectors, were also beneficiaries. Petty traders, market women, low paid workers in the informal sector, totalling about 29,000, received cash injections of Le 1,300,000 per person.
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: … Gender in the economy, 61% …
Para 48) The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MGCA) 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. Also, Sierra Leone is on the board of Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action Compact and committed to undertake the following relevant policy actions including those in the national Gender Strategic plan has been finalised.
Para 49) The SLP has adopted an accelerated promotion policy for women and offers women officers' priority for training opportunities to participate in international peacekeeping missions. In February 2019, RSLAF conducted a 300 all-female recruitment and training programme. This is a cadet officer programme that offers women, especially those with Professional Qualifications (such as Medicine, Law, Accounting, Vocational Skills, etc.) to join the officer ranks of RSLAF.
Para 50) The Local Government Service Commission, the body responsible for the Local Councils has made strides incorporating women as pillars in the Commission. The Commission has five (5) Commissioners, three (3) of whom are women. The Local Government Act, 2004 stipulated that 70% of Ward Committee Members should be women.
Para 51) On 3 December 2020, the GoSL launched the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Policy. The policy aims at changing social norms and perspectives and at the same time guaranteeing equality, inclusion, and access to rights, resources and opportunity for all.
Para 65) Further to recommendations of the European Union Election Mission in 2012, NEC has set up a committee encompassing various institutions of Government. As recommended by the EU Mission, NEC has reverted to the district tally centre process; and the same is embedded in the NEC Strategic Plan 2020-2024, which was launched on 18 November 2020. Regarding the conduct of effective and sustained sensitisation and awareness-raising campaign on gender mainstreaming, NEC has established departments for sensitisation, gender and disability departments.
Para 66) GoSL launched the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment policy on 3 December 2020. Even before the launch of the policy, the Government had already taken deliberate actions to ensure gender parity. The MFAIC, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, the MGCA, the Ministry of Fisheries, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and the Auditor General, are some of the highest offices of the land held by women.
Para 67) Proportion of seats held by women in national parliament increased from 12.4% in 2012 to 12.9% in 2018. The proportion of female mayors and local councillors and chairpersons increased from 18% to 28.6% over the same period.
Para 68) According to Cluster 5 of Sierra Leone’s MTNDP, 2019-2023, a key target is to ensure that more women are in a leadership position than there were in 2018 when the plan was launched.
Para 69) The Government continues to appoint women to senior governance positions. In line with the Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference at the UN in New York concerning 20% increase in female intake in RSLAF, 328 special female officer cadets were recruited.
Para 70) The Sierra Leone Police continues to implement its Gender Mainstreaming policy through accelerated promotion scheme for female personnel. This serves as incentives for women to join the SLP. In the Sierra Leone Correctional Services (SLCS), equal opportunities exist for both male and female applicants to sit entrance examination, go through the same interview process and successful candidates employed.
Para 76) The GoSL has, through NaCSA developed programmes aimed to reduce poverty and improving the economy. This programme has several components of poverty reductions, which includes the following: The Pro-Poor Growth for Peace Consolidation (GPC) Programme co-financed by the Governments of Sierra Leone and the Federal Republic of Germany aims at primarily improving the livelihoods of beneficiary communities and contributes to development and consolidation of peace, with a specific focus on employment creation and income generation for vulnerable groups (youths and women) in selected rural communities. … • Also, NaCSA has programmes aimed at addressing the plight of women, children and other vulnerable groups. Through this, NaCSA solicited funds to ensure that women and children are protected. This had been achieved through the various social protection programmes implemented nationwide with NaCSA providing income support to 2,250 women.
Para 77) Also, the War Reparation Programme, which has now ended, targeted vulnerable widows and were provided with a rehabilitation grant of Le 3.5 Billion.
Para 122) In February 2019, the Government launched the MTNDP as the fourth-generation Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP). The key objective of the Plan is to achieve and improve education, hence a Free Quality School Education, as a basis for the development of human capital to facilitate the transformation of women’s empowerment, …
UN Compilation:
Para 4) The Peacebuilding Support Office of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs stated that the Peacebuilding Fund had been active in Sierra Leone since 2007, with $62 million allocated to date towards initiatives in support of …, young people and women’s participation and empowerment …
Para 42) … Women and members of other vulnerable groups, such as elderly persons and persons with disabilities, faced challenges in accessing financial, technology and market services [during the COVID-19 pandemic].
Para 52) The United Nations country team noted that Sierra Leone had ratified major international and regional treaties and conventions that upheld equality and prohibited discrimination based on gender. However, Sierra Leone was ranked 153rd out of 162 countries in the 2018 gender inequality index. Gender inequalities were exacerbated by discriminatory cultural norms that impinged on women’s access to power, resources and privileges. The prohibition of discrimination based on gender in the areas of marriage, divorce, adoption and devolution of property on death was established in the Constitution.
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 63) The-Carter Center (CC) regretted that women candidates have limited opportunities to participate in political processes, and that only two of 17 presidential candidates were female, and represented only 12.5% of all parliamentarian candidates. According toCC, the low number of female nominees reflected a lack of political will to improve gender equality in public institutions. It further noted that a Gender Equality Bill had been in the drafting process since 2013, and has not yet been made into law.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:Stakeholder SummaryIssue:
- Early marriage
- Family planning
- Abortion
- Maternal health / morbidity / mortality
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
- Sexual and / or reproductive rights and / or health broadly
Type:Review DocumentationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:Reference AddressedContents:"According to AI, many factors that drive maternal mortality and morbidity remained unaddressed. It recommended that the Government end harmful practices such as FGM and early marriage; improve access to confidential family planning services and sexual and reproductive health services; retain skilled health professionals with incentives to work in
under-served areas; make available complaints mechanism and inform patients about their right to redress; commit to timely district-level investigations into maternal deaths and the accurate collection and reporting of data on maternal mortality and morbidity; and address the effect of unsafe abortions on maternal mortality, including by providing safe abortion services to the fullest extent of the law. [Para 53]" -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:CanadaCanadaRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupOASOIFCommonwealthIssue:
- Discrimination based on sexual orientation
- Discrimination based on gender identity
- Criminal laws on same-sex sexual practices
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Decriminalize same-sex conduct between consenting adults and pass legislation to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.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 noted.