Displaying 45276 - 45300 of 58160 recommendations found
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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] -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Early marriage
- Harmful practices based on cultural / traditional values
Type:Review DocumentationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:Reference AddressedContents:The CEDAW reiterated its concern that, although under the Child Rights Act, the minimum age for marriage was 18 years, under the Registration of Customary Marriages and Divorce Act, child marriage was allowed with parental consent. The CAT urged Sierra Leone to repeal the provisions in its legislation that permitted child marriage. [Para 34] -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Sexual and / or reproductive rights and / or health broadly
Type:Review DocumentationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:NeglectedContents:The CEDAW urged Sierra Leone to provide effective access for women and girls to information on sexual and reproductive health and rights. [Para 65] -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:ChadChadRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICOIFIssue:
- Early marriage
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Enforce the Child Rights Act and enact the bill on prohibition of child marriage.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Sexual violence
Type:Review DocumentationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Reference AddressedContents:The United Nations country team ... called on the Government to carry out an in-depth analysis of drivers of sexual and gender-based violence and support efforts to raise awareness among the public about the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act, 2019 to effectively prevent and eradicate sexual and gender-based violence in all its forms. It recommended that the capacity for the prosecution of cases of such violence be increased, including through investment in forensic laboratories and the provision of training to police and magistrates. Furthermore, the United Nations country team recommended increasing investment in medical and psychological health services for victims of sexual and gender-based violence and in the continuous upgrade of the Family Support Units of the police. [Para 56]
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:Stakeholder SummaryIssue:
- Maternal health / morbidity / mortality
- Sexual and / or reproductive rights and / or health broadly
Type:Review DocumentationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Not Followed up with a RecommendationContents:JS4 recommended providing health centres in all remote rural areas of the country with qualified midwives and well as equipment so as to provide the best possible pre-natal care. It further recommended to expand awareness prevention programmes on the fistula disease and putting in place an effective mechanism to monitor implementation of the National Strategy for the Elimination of Obstetric Fistura with a human rights based approach. [Para 52]
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:ParaguayParaguayRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASOEIIssue:
- International human rights instruments
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Ratify all pending core international human rights treaties, including ... the OP-CEDAW, to progress with SDGs 5, 11, 13 and 16.
ExplanationNoted. -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:Cote d'IvoireCote d'IvoireRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICOIFIssue:
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Redouble efforts to completely 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:PortugalPortugalRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUOEIIssue:
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Continue the work in the field of the promotion of the rights of women and adopt all the recommendations made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in this area.Implementation"National 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:KenyaKenyaRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUCommonwealthIssue:
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Continue to progressively end existence 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:ItalyItalyRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUIssue:
- Early marriage
- Forced marriage
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Continue ongoing efforts to end child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation as well as all other forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls.
ExplanationNoted.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:MaldivesMaldivesRegional groupAsia-Pacific GroupPolitical groupOICCommonwealthIssue:
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Allocate more funds towards establishing a comprehensive social protection system to curb the impacts of natural disasters on vulnerable groups in the society such as women, and persons with disabilities, by ensuring their social and economic rights.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:MozambiqueMozambiqueRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
- Sexual violence
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Continue with the campaign to end the sexual-based violence toward women and girls.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:LaosLaosRegional groupAsia-Pacific GroupPolitical groupASEANOIFIssue:
- Gender equality
- Gender perspective in policies, programmes
- Empowerment of women
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Continue to implement its Gender Mainstreaming policy to further promote gender parity and women empowerment.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:United KingdomUnited KingdomRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUCommonwealthIssue:
- Harmful practices based on cultural / traditional values
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Specifically prohibit, sanction and effectively prevent the practice of female genital mutilation for children under the age of 18.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:
- Domestic violence
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:Review DocumentationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:N/AContents:"CEDAW has been partially domesticated to promote the rights and advancement of women generally. This is evident in the enactment of what is being widely termed as the “three Gender Acts” namely:
• Registration of Customary Marriage and Divorce Act 2007
• The Devolution of Estate Act 2007
• Domestic Violence Act 2007. [Para 27]" -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:National ReportIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
Type:Review DocumentationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:N/AContents:"Sierra Leone’s National Action Plan on United Nation Security Council Resolution 1325 and 1520 which has 5 pillars: Participation; Prevention; Protection; Prosecution; and Coordination were launched by His Excellency, the President, on the 8th June 2010. [Para 77]" -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Marginalized groups of women
Type:Review DocumentationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:NeglectedContents:"CEDAW expressed particular concern about the precarious situation of women in rural areas, who formed the majority of women in Sierra Leone. [Para 51]" -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:GhanaGhanaRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOIFCommonwealthIssue:
- International human rights instruments
Type:RecommendationSession:24th session, January 2016Status:AcceptedContents:Ratify the OP-CRPD.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.
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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.