Displaying 45251 - 45275 of 58126 recommendations found
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:Costa RicaCosta RicaRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASOEIACSIssue:
- Harmful practices based on cultural / traditional values
- Gender equality
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Establish a strategy to seek the elimination of practices of discrimination against women and eliminate 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:Costa RicaCosta RicaRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASOEIACSIssue:
- Early marriage
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:AcceptedContents:Reform the measures adopted by the government for the prohibition and elimination of child marriage. In this regard, provide additional funding for state programs and awareness campaigns, as well as to guarantee psychological and legal support for victims of child marriage.
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:AustriaAustriaRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUIssue:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Adequately staff Family Support Units in police stations to address violence against women.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 35) ... The Family Support Unit (FSU) deals with sexual and gender-based violence committed against women and children. The Moyamba Division has been the pilot division for the FSU, sponsored by the former Justice Sector Development Project (JSDP). All divisions now have a FSU. An MOU was signed with chiefs and the Family Support Unit (FSU) to report and assist carers of child abuse victims ...
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:ArgentinaArgentinaRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASOEIIssue:
- International human rights instruments
- Gender equality
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Examine the possibility of ratifying ... OP-CEDAW.ImplementationNational Report:
Para 35) Sierra Leone has signed the OP-CEDAW and is in the process of ratifying it; the MSWGCA had put the OP-CEDAW on its work plan to pursue its ratification by 2014. This deadline has been extended due to the EVD. However, the MSWGCA has set up local points for complaints regarding offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2012, which is in part a domestication of the CEDAW ...
Stakeholder Summary:
Para 3) The Commission noted that the Government was yet to ratify the OP-CEDAW ... -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:ArgentinaArgentinaRegional groupGRULACPolitical groupOASOEIIssue:
- Harmful practices based on cultural / traditional values
- Gender equality
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Deepen the measures to change traditional practices and stereotypes that violate the civil, political, social and economic rights of women and prevent them from having a situation of equality with regard to men/having equality with menImplementationNational 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:
- Violence against women / gender-based violence
Type:Review DocumentationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:N/AContents:"The government, as part of its commitment to the full implementation of the TRC
recommendations, came out with a white paper and since then efforts have been made by
the government to implement them. The following have been achieved: legal reforms aimed
at addressing human rights, establishment of the Human Rights Commission, reparation for
war victims, Presidential apology to women, constitutional review process commenced and
GOSL has collaborated with its national moral guarantors in drawing-up the criteria for the
International moral guarantors, the request has been forwarded to the latter. [Para 25]" -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:National ReportIssue:
- Maternal health / morbidity / mortality
Type:Review DocumentationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:N/AContents:"In an effort to address maternal and child mortality rates, the Government recently launched a Health Sector Strategic Plan 2010-2015. The plan aims to ensure successful implementation of the Basic Package of Essential Health Services (BPEHS) in order to improve service delivery. This package will ensure the provision of minimal essential quality of care for all and includes services that have the greatest impact on the major health problems (especially that of maternal and child health). The objective of this strategy is to abolish all financial charges to pregnant women, lactating mothers and children 5 years of age and under. In the longer term, the aim is to provide accessibility to quality health care for all vulnerable groups. [Para 75]" -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Women's and / or girls' rights
Type:Review DocumentationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:NeglectedContents:"In 2010, CRC recommended that Sierra Leone: take effective measures to monitor the situation of former child combatants who were not included in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, particularly girls, with a view to providing them with the assistance necessary to facilitate their full reintegration ... [Para 35]" -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:UN CompilationIssue:
- Contraception
- Maternal health / morbidity / mortality
- Adolescent pregnancy
- Sexual and / or reproductive rights and / or health broadly
Type:Review DocumentationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Reference AddressedContents:The United Nations country team ... further recommended increasing the provision of contraceptives to prevent teenage pregnancy and school dropout, and developing and implementing short- and long-term strategies to improve access to qualified, skilled and well-distributed care providers in the area of reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health. It further recommended strengthening the coverage of adolescent-friendly health services, with an emphasis on programmes focused on teenage pregnancy, strengthening the community-based primary health-care system, in order to improve family practices, and enhancing social accountability for quality service provision. [Para 46]
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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:38th Session, May 2021Status:Not Followed up with a RecommendationContents:SJ2 recommended implementing the Sexual Offences Act 2019, as amended, ensuring that perpetrators of sexual violence are brought to justice; strengthening safeguard measures to protect children at schools; and working with partners to intensify awareness raising campaigns at community level. CUMG-SL recommended providing rehabilitation and psychological support to victims and ensuring full implementation of the National Referral Protocol on Gender-Based Violence National Action Plan. {Para 34]
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State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:ItalyItalyRegional groupWEOGPolitical groupEUIssue:
- Harmful practices based on cultural / traditional values
- Female genital mutilation / cutting
Type:RecommendationSession:11th session, May 2011Status:AcceptedContents:Spread information about the negative consequences of female genital mutilation, also in cooperation with relevant international organizations and United Nations agenciesImplementationNational Report:
Para 43) ... 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. -
State Under Review:Sierra LeoneSierra LeoneRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUOICCommonwealthSource Of Reference:NamibiaNamibiaRegional groupAfrica GroupPolitical groupAUCommonwealthIssue:
- International human rights instruments
Type:RecommendationSession:38th Session, May 2021Status:Unclear ResponseContents:Ratify the OP-CEDAW.
ExplanationNoted. -
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: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: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: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: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: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: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: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: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: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: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 ...