32/16 Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Sierra Leone

Human Rights Council Thirty-second session

Agenda item 6

Universal periodic review

Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review*

Sierra Leone

* The annex is being circulated in the language of submission only.

Contents

Page

Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 3

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process ......................................................................... 3

A. Presentation by the State under review .................................................................................... 3

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review ................................................. 7

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations .............................................................................................. 14

Annex

Composition of the delegation ......................................................................................................... 27

Introduction

1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance

with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its twenty-fourth session from 18 to 29

January 2016. The review of Sierra Leone was held at the 15th meeting, on 27 January

2016. The delegation of Sierra Leone was headed by the Attorney General and Minister of

Justice, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara. At its 18th meeting, held on 29 January 2016, the

Working Group adopted the report on Sierra Leone.

2. On 12 January 2016, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of

rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Sierra Leone: Kyrgyzstan, Mexico and Togo.

3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Human Rights Council resolution

5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21, the following documents

were issued for the review of Sierra Leone:

(a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with

paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/24/SLE/1);

(b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High

Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b)

(A/HRC/WG.6/24/SLE/2);

(c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c)

(A/HRC/WG.6/24/SLE/3).

4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany,

Liechtenstein, Mexico, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland and the United

Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Sierra Leone through the

troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the universal periodic review.

I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process

A. Presentation by the State under review

5. The Minister stated that Sierra Leone had undertaken a review of its report under the

African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Right in November 2015 in Banjul. Sierra Leone

continued to give the highest consideration to international human rights standards, had

signed all nine major international treaties and had ratified five, and had incorporated

international humanitarian law into domestic legislation, under the Geneva Conventions

Act, 2012. Sierra Leone had also complied with reporting obligations under the Convention

on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention

against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and had

continued engagement with other global treaty bodies and mechanisms. The Government of

Sierra Leone had also reported to the Human Rights Council on the International Covenant

on Civil and Political Rights in 2014, and was committed to completing all outstanding

reporting obligations.

6. The country had endured an 11-year civil war, during which the most egregious

violations of human rights and international humanitarian law had occurred. The war ended

in 2002 and, with the collaboration of the international community, two transitional justice

bodies had been created: the Special Court for Sierra Leone and the Truth and

Reconciliation Commission. Both institutions demonstrated the resolve of Sierra Leone to

ending impunity at all levels. The Government continued to implement the

recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, including reparations.

7. Since the end of the war, Sierra Leone had conducted five democratic local and

national government elections, and democracy continued to take firm root in governance.

The recruitment of children in armed conflicts had been eradicated: under current

regulations, recruits into the armed forces must be 18 years of age, in compliance with the

Convention on the Rights of the Child.

8. Since taking office in 2007, President Koroma had initiated two inclusive and rights-

based development programmes: the Agenda for Change and the Agenda for Prosperity.

Both programmes fully embraced the political, economic, social and cultural rights

guaranteed under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Implementation had been

moving apace until the Ebola virus disease struck the country in early 2014.

9. The Ebola virus disease had wreaked havoc on the people and economy of Sierra

Leone. There had been a clear threat to national cohesion and security.

10. As a consequence, in early July 2014, President Koroma had used his constitutional

powers to declare a national state of emergency, entailing the curtailment of certain rights

and civil liberties, particularly the right to free movement, assembly, social and cultural

rights and practices. However, the state of emergency was at all times limited to what was

strictly necessary to achieve an early end to the Ebola virus disease. The emergency

regulations were progressively relaxed proportionately to the waning of the Ebola virus

disease and, at present, President Koroma had given directives for its complete repeal by

Parliament.

11. Nevertheless, Sierra Leone continued to enjoy high level of political stability,

political participation, expanded opportunities for civil and political rights, empowerment

of women and high levels of political and religious tolerance. Growth in gross domestic

product and increased investment in infrastructure and social sectors such as health,

education and roads had put Sierra Leone on a path to economic development.

12. Sierra Leone was undertaking a review of its constitution, and the Constitutional

Review Committee enjoyed the full support of the Government. The constitutional review

process had stalled during the Ebola virus disease crisis, yet the Committee resumed its

work last year and was scheduled to submit its report in March 2016, with a referendum to

be held subsequently. The review would provide significant opportunities for the

advancement of human rights and to bring the basic law of Sierra Leone in line with

international human rights standards. The Committee was presently considering such

matters as the abolition of the death penalty, citizenship, libel laws, press freedom, gender

discrimination, equal opportunities and the separation of the office of Attorney General and

Minister of Justice.

13. During the period under review, Sierra Leone had undertaken a number of policy

initiatives aimed at improving access to justice and human rights, including the following:

• Increased support for and autonomy of the Human Rights Commission, which

enjoys an ‘A’ status accreditation according to the principles relating to the status of

national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris

Principles)

• Strengthening of the Office of the Ombudsman and the Anti-Corruption

Commission, 90 per cent of the budgetary allocation of which comes from the

Government

• Establishment of the Justice Sector Coordination Office, with a mandate to improve

strategic coordination for enhanced justice delivery to citizens

• Establishment of the Legal Aid Board, which, within six months of coming into

operation, had delivered legal aid services to over 500 citizens, with over 100

persons discharged from remand

• Establishment of the Independent Police Complaints Board to improve

accountability and civilian oversight and augment the Complaints Discipline and

Internal Investigations Department, which, since its inception, had investigated over

2,000 cases resulting in suspensions, dismissals, warnings, corrective training and

rank reduction

• Establishment of family support units in all police stations to improve the capacity

of the police to handle domestic and sexual and gender-based violence

• Establishment of a children’s commission to enhance the implementation of the

Child Rights Act 2007, which further incorporates into domestic legislation the

Convention on the Rights of the Child

• Improvement of detention facilities through the Correctional Services Act, 2013,

aimed at transforming the prison system from punitive to rehabilitative, including

the successful separation of male and female prison populations and relocation of

the juvenile prison population

• Implementation of the Local Courts Act, 2011, to meet local justice needs for the

wider population, including the recording and monitoring of all court proceedings by

the Chief Justice and legal representation

• Improvement of judicial independence through the approval of an new salary

scheme to enhance the service conditions of judicial and law officers, with the aim

of improving responsiveness, accountability and transparency and, most

importantly, dealing with the perennial problems of backlog

• Review of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1965, to improve efficiency, transparency

and accountability in the criminal justice system, by introducing alternative forms of

sentencing to decongest detention facilities; the Bill was submitted to Parliament late

in 2015 for consideration in the current legislative calendar of Parliament, and its

enactment is a priority of the Government

14. Furthermore, Sierra Leone introduced the Right to Access Information Act, 2013,

and subsequently established the Commission on the Right to Access Information. This is

consistent with the commitment of Sierra Leone to uphold freedom of expression by

allowing increasing the autonomy of the Independent Media Commission and creating an

enabling environment for the growth of the media. At present, there are over 40 newspapers

in the country and at least one radio station in every district.

15. Sierra Leone continued to work hard to improve the status and rights of women and

children in society. In that regard, Sierra Leone enacted the Sexual Violence Act, 2012,

which, together with the promulgation and implementation of the Registration of

Customary Marriage and Divorce Act, the Devolution of Estates Act and the Domestic

Violence Act, has significantly helped to protect women’s rights.

16. The Ministry of Justice had recorded more than 350 cases that had been referred to

the courts and family support units in the last quarter of 2011. The Government was aware,

in particular, of the challenges in the area of witness and evidence management and cultural

impediments, and would continue to work with key development partners to improve the

quality of investigations and prosecutions. Furthermore, the Government was poised to

increase the number of magistrates and judges. Two female judges had been recently

appointed to the Supreme Court, which now comprised 45 per cent women.

17. The free health care initiative for children, under-fives and pregnant and lactating

mothers was in its sixth year, and had reduced the rates of child and maternal mortality as

well as fatalities from other common diseases, such as malaria, diarrhoea and pneumonia.

This was complemented by improved health funding and the recruitment of more than

2,000 health workers since 2013. Consequently, 97 per cent of pregnant women now

receive antenatal care.

18. Female genital mutilation is a cultural practice in Sierra Leone. Since the previous

review, significant steps had been undertaken to address this concern: the Government had

worked closely with traditional leaders in raising awareness on the ills of the practice and

had provided alternative sources of income in the form of microfinance. The Government

had adopted a policy banning the initiation of girls under the age of 18, based on the human

right to freedom of association whereby people are free to associate and partake in cultural

activities provided they are competent to make that decision.

19. Moreover, Sierra Leone was pursuing a robust child protection regime, with the

establishment of a children’s commission that was pursuing, among other things, the

elimination of child abuse, corporal punishment and child trafficking. The Government was

also implementing a national child welfare policy to bring the protection of children in line

with international standards. To ensure the implementation of similar standards in rural

areas, child protection departments had been established in all local councils. A child

justice strategy was being implemented to separate juveniles from adults in detention

centres.

20. Investment in education is critical to empowering citizens to enjoy their rights: the

Government had implemented free and compulsory primary education, with increased

funding to encourage education of the girl child in junior and senior secondary schools in

line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Thus, gender parity in school

enrolment was increasing rapidly at all levels.

21. Under its education policy, the Government took responsibility in providing school

fees and in-kind assistance, such as uniforms and school materials, for girls. The

programme had led to a significant number of girls attending junior secondary school.

Approximately 160 primary and 30 junior secondary schools had been constructed since

2012. As reported by the School Census Report and the 2013 Country Status Report on

Education, gender parity had been achieved at the pre-primary level, and almost achieved at

the primary level. Gender parity was increasing rapidly at the junior and secondary school

levels, with enrolment at a remarkable rate.

22. The policy of the Government regarding visibly pregnant school girls remained

unchanged: it had provided learning centres around the country for visibly pregnant girls to

receive special classes and at the same time have access to qualified medical personnel.

Furthermore, provisions had been made for these girls to continue their education in normal

schools upon giving birth. In addition, a national teenage pregnancy secretariat was

implementing a strategy to reduce teenage pregnancy.

23. Sierra Leone had taken major steps for the rights of people with HIV/AIDS, Ebola

survivors and people with disabilities. The 2011 HIV/AIDS Commission Act had made it

an offence to deny a person access to any employment or educational institution on the

grounds of their HIV status, by, inter alia, prohibiting discrimination of any form against

people living with HIV/AIDS, including their families and communities.

24. The Government had adopted similar steps to protect from marginalization survivors

of the Ebola virus disease and their family members. Under the National Ebola Recovery

Plan, the Government provided free education for Ebola orphans and young people, free

health care for Ebola survivors, entrepreneurial training for Ebola widows and other welfare

packages.

25. The Government had incorporated into domestic legislation the Convention on the

Rights of Persons with Disabilities by establishing a commission and had made budgetary

allocations that would ensure its proper implementation.

B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review

26. During the interactive dialogue, 80 delegations made statements. Recommendations

made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report.

27. Panama acknowledged the social and economic consequences of the Ebola virus

disease and the need for the ongoing support of the international community. It applauded

the resumption of the constitutional review, in compliance with the pending

recommendations of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, to strengthen

the rule of law and promote social justice.

28. The Philippines appreciated that the constitutional review would be conducted in an

inclusive and participatory manner and lauded Sierra Leone for the steps taken to curb

female genital mutilation. It also commended Sierra Leone for its triumph in combating the

Ebola virus disease.

29. Poland noted with appreciation the adoption of the National Referral Protocol on

Gender-based Violence and the National Plan of Action on Gender-based Violence. It also

appreciated activities on the right to health, including the adoption of the National Strategy

for the Reduction of Teenage Pregnancy.

30. Portugal welcomed the delegation of Sierra Leone and thanked it for the

presentation of its national report. It particularly welcomed the introduction of a de facto

moratorium on the death penalty.

31. The Russian Federation noted the process to revise the constitution, the measures

taken to provide free health care for pregnant women, children and adolescents,

programmes for the free treatment of malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, and the policy

to protect families.

32. Senegal acknowledged improvements in the institutional and legislative framework

for human rights and encouraged Sierra Leone to pursue this path by implementing all the

recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which would further

solidify national cohesion.

33. Singapore welcomed the efforts of Sierra Leone to strengthen its health-care system,

the implementation of the free health care initiative to improve health care for women, and

other programmes to combat malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. It commended Sierra

Leone for its commitment to raising education standards and providing access to education.

34. Slovakia welcomed the resumption of the constitutional review process and

encouraged the Government to take into account civil society’s views. It was concerned

about the high rate of violence against women. It encouraged Sierra Leone to take further

steps to address prison overcrowding and the lack of independent monitoring mechanism.

35. Slovenia welcomed the ratification of the International Labour Organization

Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) and Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention,

1999 (No. 182), as per its past recommendation, and the national action plans on women,

peace and security and on gender-based violence. It was concerned about deep-rooted

patriarchal stereotypes, high rates of domestic/sexual violence, harmful practices and

teenage pregnancies.

36. South Africa commended Sierra Leone for its positive developments, including the

adoption of the “Agenda for Prosperity” and progress in consolidating peace and enhancing

security countrywide. It encouraged Sierra Leone to continue these efforts, while noting

persisting constraints in the Ebola virus disease recovery period.

37. Spain commended Sierra Leone for the major steps in terms of human rights,

including the Sexual Offences Act, 2012, and Legal Assistance Act, 2012, and the

important role played by Sierra Lone as a member of the Human Rights Council for the

period 2011-2013.

38. Swaziland was encouraged by progress in addressing most of the recommendations,

including the amendment of the Constitution Act No. 6, and by the advancement of gender

equality and the signature/ratification of most of the United Nations human rights treaties,

as recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

39. Switzerland commended the efforts to abolish the death penalty. It was concerned

about the prevalence of female genital mutilation and the widespread use of extended

period of remands.

40. Tunisia noted the work of the Constitutional Review Committee and the

implementation of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It

commended the adoption of the National Referral Protocol on Gender-based Violence and

the National Plan of Action on Gender-based Violence.

41. Uganda noted the campaign to educate on and raise awareness of HIV/AIDS among

the population. It also welcomed the launch of the “Agenda for Prosperity” programme

with the aim of building a middle-income country by 2031.

42. Ukraine recognized that the recommendation it had made in the first cycle, namely,

to improve reporting to treaty bodies, had been implemented to the extent possible. It

expressed hope that the resumed work of the Constitutional Review Committee would

result in a prompt revision of the constitution.

43. The United Kingdom encouraged Sierra Leone to complete the constitutional review

process by the agreed deadline. It welcomed a draft national strategy on countering the

practice of female genital mutilation and encouraged Sierra Leone to implement it.

44. The United States of America commended increased protection for migrant

labourers and the establishment of the Independent Police Complaints Board. It was

concerned about restriction of freedom of expression, lack of resources to combat

trafficking in persons, prolonged pretrial detention and poor prison conditions.

45. Uruguay was pleased with the efforts made concerning maternal mortality, family

planning and teenage pregnancies and requested more information in that regard. It

welcomed the ratification of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in

Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention

against Transnational Organized Crime (the Palermo Protocol), and of the International

Labour Organization Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) and Worst Forms of Child

Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182).

46. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela highlighted the adoption of the National

Gender Strategic Plan, the strengthening of the education system, the gradual increase in

the budget assigned to the Education Sector Plan and the Poverty Reduction Strategy of

2012.

47. Zambia noted that the incorporation into domestic legislation of international law

still seemed a challenge. It was also concerned about female genital mutilation and asked

what measures Sierra Leone was taking to prohibit the practice.

48. Albania commended the adoption of the “Agenda for Prosperity” and congratulated

Sierra Leone on taking affirmative action to improve women’s participation in public life

through the appointment of women in key leadership positions in the country.

49. Algeria congratulated Sierra Leone on strengthening its democratic institutions

through the review of the constitution. It appreciated the cooperation of Sierra Leone with

treaty bodies. It was also pleased with the improvement of economic, social and cultural

rights through the adoption of plans and programmes.

50. Angola welcomed the review of the 1991 constitution and the establishment of the

Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It encouraged Sierra Leone to eliminate

discriminatory provisions regarding the transmission of nationality.

51. Argentina highlighted progress to eliminate poverty through its prosperity

programme. It was particularly interested in the strategies on the rights of women and

children, which included the fight against traditional harmful practices.

52. Armenia, while appreciating efforts to combat Ebola, noted the persistent challenges

regarding the right to health, particularly for women in rural areas, the low school

enrolment rate for girls and sexual abuses. Armenia appreciated that child labour concerns

had been mainstreamed into national policies.

53. Australia congratulated Sierra Leone on achieving stable governance and sustained

peace. While welcoming steps towards abolishing the death penalty, Australia was

concerned that it was still in the law. Australia welcomed ratification of the Protocol to the

African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (the

Maputo Protocol).

54. Azerbaijan acknowledged the efforts made to develop a normative and institutional

human rights framework. It noted with appreciation the adoption in 2012 of the Agenda for

Prosperity and commended Sierra Leone on measures taken regarding gender issues and

gender-based violence.

55. The delegation of Sierra Leone replied to a number of issues mentioned in the first

part of the dialogue. Regarding of length of trials, the Government was enacting the

Criminal Procedure Act of 2015 and was recruiting more judges and magistrates. On the

overcrowding of prisons, the court committees were considering alternative sentencing. The

Government had been able to establish a legal aid board that had been able to address over

half a million cases. There was a heightened commitment by the Government to increase

budgetary allocation in the health sector. The Government had enacted the Sexual Offences

Act and the Gender Act, with a subsequent increase in the number of prosecutions of those

found guilty of offences relating to gender-based violence. Its policy on educating the girl

child had led to an increase of more than 300 per cent in the past five years in the number

of girls attending school. The Constitutional Review Committee would submit its reports to

the Office of the Attorney-General Minister of Justice in the near future.

56. Bangladesh acknowledged the success in combating the Ebola virus disease and

noted the progress made regarding international human rights obligations. It acknowledged

the cooperation of Sierra Leone with treaty bodies and encouraged the international

community to continue supporting Sierra Leone.

57. Belgium welcomed ratification of the International Labour Organization Minimum

Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) and Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No.

182). It was concerned, however, at violations of freedom of expression regarding

journalists and human rights defenders. It noted that protection of the rights of women and

children should be strengthened.

58. Benin welcomed the reform of the justice system and the measures taken to

eliminate female genital mutilation, including related agreements with traditional chiefs. It

appreciated the efforts of Sierra Leone regarding maternal mortality.

59. While acknowledging legislative reforms undertaken by Sierra Leone, Botswana

remained concerned at the prevalence of female genital mutilation, domestic and sexual

violence and the low conviction rate on cases reported. It was also concerned at the lack of

independence of the judiciary.

60. Burkina Faso noted that the Ebola virus disease had compromised development

initiatives. It welcomed the constitutional review to strengthen the rule of law and exhorted

Sierra Leone to intensify its efforts to eliminate female genital mutilation, child labour and

early and forced marriage.

61. Burundi congratulated Sierra Leone for its efforts to implement the

recommendations from the previous cycle despite challenges related to the Ebola virus

disease. It welcomed the establishment of a national human rights commission. It noted

legislative and institutional measures undertaken.

62. Cabo Verde acknowledged the challenges related to the Ebola virus disease. It

welcomed the constitutional review, the establishment of a national human rights

commission, the reform of the judicial system and the national plans on gender equality. It

noted that harmful traditional practices should end.

63. Canada commended Sierra Leone for its sponsorship of Human Rights Council

resolution 27/31 on the protection of civil society space. It acknowledged the steps taken to

implement the strategy entitled “Let girls be girls not mothers”. Canada stressed the

importance of protecting girls’ right to education and privacy rights.

64. Chad welcomed the efforts of Sierra Leone to protect human rights despite the Ebola

virus disease epidemic. It appreciated that the preparation of the national report had been

participative. Chad encouraged Sierra Leone to submit its overdue reports to treaty bodies.

65. Chile acknowledged the efforts of Sierra Leone to combat the Ebola virus disease. It

appreciated the establishment of a national human rights institution, the national strategic

plan on gender, the plan on health and social security and the programme on prosperity,

among others.

66. China appreciated the strategy of Sierra Leone to reduce poverty. It acknowledged

progress in promoting the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities, the right

to health and development. China called upon the international community to continue

assisting Sierra Leone in its efforts.

67. Colombia appreciated that the Constitutional Review Committee had been

considering to incorporate recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

It acknowledged efforts to combat the Ebola virus disease and related challenges, and

welcomed the adoption of the Law on HIV/AIDS of 2011, which included provisions

against discrimination.

68. The Congo acknowledged the efforts of Sierra Leone to implement the

recommendations from the previous cycle, despite the Ebola virus disease crisis, and

progress regarding its obligations under international instruments. It encouraged legislative

reforms in the areas of persons with disabilities, children and the age of marriage.

69. Costa Rica acknowledged strategic plans to improve prison conditions and the

judicial system, to fight against female genital mutilation and to reduce teenage pregnancy.

It was concerned at allegations of arbitrary detention and excessive use of prison for minor

offences, and at the lack of independence of the judiciary.

70. Côte d’Ivoire welcomed the inclusive process to prepare the national report and the

attention paid to the recommendations received during the previous cycle. It encouraged

Sierra Leone to continue its efforts to guarantee the enjoyment of human rights in its

territory.

71. Croatia welcomed the adoption of the free health care initiative for pregnant women,

lactating mothers and children. It encouraged Sierra Leone to strengthen its legislative

framework to combat torture and ensure adequate legal protection for women against

violence.

72. Cuba acknowledged challenges related to the Ebola virus disease and its impact on

the promotion and protection of human rights. It noted that significant legislation had been

adopted. It urged the international community to support Sierra Leona in its efforts to

improve its health system.

73. The Czech Republic appreciated the response of Sierra Leone to the questions it had

sent in advance.

74. Denmark noted the acceptance of recommendations made at the first review to ratify

the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and that the national report

reflected that Sierra Leone was working toward ratification of the Protocol. It requested an

elaboration of the status of these efforts.

75. Djibouti appreciated the positive steps taken in the protection of human rights in

spite of the Ebola virus disease epidemic. It welcomed institutional and legislative reforms,

but expressed concern about high levels of violence against women.

76. Egypt commended efforts made in combating the Ebola virus disease and policies to

monitor human trafficking. It also noted the adoption of the national health plan, including

the coverage of children under the national health insurance.

77. Ethiopia appreciated the steps taken to implement accepted recommendations from

the first review. It noted the constitutional amendments for gender equality, youth

development and to address corruption; and the success in combating the Ebola virus

disease epidemic.

78. Germany acknowledged the efforts made to improve compliance with international

human rights obligations and engagement with related mechanisms, and the strong

engagement with the Human Rights Council. Further progress had been hampered because

of the Ebola virus disease crisis.

79. Ghana noted the success in combating the Ebola epidemic, which reflects the

commitment of Sierra Leone in attaining the highest possible standards of health. It

welcomed the implementation of recommendations from the first review and noted that the

criminal libel law had yet to be repealed.

80. Honduras paid tribute to Sierra Leone for honouring its commitments under the

review process in the aftermath of the Ebola virus disease. It welcomed progress in

strengthening democracy through the 2012 elections and noted the “A” status achieved by

the national human rights commission.

81. Indonesia welcomed the progress made since the first cycle and noted the

commitment to advance the right to education. It encouraged the involvement of civil

society as a partner to the Government in protecting human rights.

82. Iraq welcomed efforts made by Sierra Leone to ensure compliance with international

human rights treaties despite the challenge, among others, posed by the Ebola virus disease,

which constituted a very serious threat to the integrity of the nation.

83. Ireland called for urgent action to implement accepted the recommendations that had

yet to be implemented. It regretted that consensual same-sex relations remained

criminalized and that laws were being used to detain and prosecute journalists.

84. Israel noted the ongoing review of the constitution, the adoption of new laws, the

approval of national plans and the measures taken to combat HIV/AIDS.

85. Jamaica noted the impact of the Ebola virus disease crisis and commended Sierra

Leone for its courageous commitment to human rights in the midst of grappling with the

disease. The rebuilding task would be a huge effort.

86. Japan expected Sierra Leone to progressively implement its post-Ebola recovery

plan. It was concerned by police harassment of human rights defenders and noted the

existence of female genital mutilation and domestic violence.

87. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic noted the acceptance of a large number of

recommendations from the first review and the steps taken to implement them. It

commended Sierra Leone for efforts to promote human rights.

88. Lebanon commended the joint efforts on combating the Ebola virus disease taken by

Sierra Leone with international cooperation, and positively assessed the engagement of the

Government in the constitutional review, in such plans as the Agenda for Prosperity and in

the reduction of poverty.

89. Lesotho noted the extent to which the Ebola outbreak had disrupted efforts to

enhance human rights and the paucity of resources and called on States to extend their

support to Sierra Leone to overcome these challenges.

90. Libya noted the genuine desire of Sierra Leone to cooperate with human rights

mechanisms and welcomed the efforts made to ensure follow-up to the recommendations

from the previous cycle and the enactment of legislation in this regard.

91. The Government noted the call for increased gender parity and affirmed its

commitment to affording women and girls equal opportunity. Regarding female genital

mutilation, the Government had increased dialogue with traditional leaders and nationwide

consultations on the practice. Alternative sources of income for practitioners had been

offered. The delegation clarified that visibly pregnant schoolgirls had not been banned from

attending schools: they attended school and took examinations, but in private classes set for

their special circumstances. The Government had established a children’s commission and

child protection departments in every local council in the country. A child justice strategy

had also been developed and was taking steps to separate juveniles from adults in detention

centres.

92. The Government had enacted the Access to Information Bill and the Independent

Media Commission Act. Records showed that, since 2007, no journalist had been convicted

and jailed. Sierra Leone had also created an enabling environment for free public speech.

The delegation reiterated that the Constitutional Review Committee, among other issues,

would address the citizenship issue.

93. Madagascar paid tribute to the determination of the Government in honouring its

commitments through the implementation of numerous reforms related to human rights in

the legislative, institutional and normative areas.

94. Malaysia noted the legal and constitutional reforms that had been undertaken and

efforts to enhance women’s empowerment. It recognized the challenges to promote human

rights in the aftermath of the Ebola virus disease outbreak.

95. Maldives welcomed the adoption of a number of laws. It encouraged Sierra Leone to

address the high rates of child mortality and early and forced marriages as a matter of

priority.

96. Mexico was pleased to note the adoption of the Persons with Disabilities Act and the

creation of a commission on the issue, that measures had been taken to combat gender

violence and the fact that Sierra Leone had voted in favour of the General Assembly

resolution on the abolition of the death penalty.

97. Montenegro asked whether the delegation could elaborate on the Government’s

plans to combat and criminalize the harmful practice of female genital mutilation, bearing

in mind its negative impact on women’s physical and mental health.

98. Morocco applauded the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission,

particularly its recommendations on women’s representation, and welcomed in that regard

the provision to establish a quota of 30 per cent. It welcomed the ratification of the

Convention against Torture and the signing of the Optional Protocol to that Convention and

the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination

against Women.

99. Mozambique commended the success in halting the Ebola virus disease and joined

those who urged the international community to redouble its multifaceted assistance so as

to help the country to get back on its feet in the aftermath of Ebola.

100. Namibia commended Sierra Leone on the implementation of the National Gender

Strategic Plan, the National Action Plan on Security Council resolutions 1325 (2000) and

1820 (2008), the National Action Plan on Gender-based Violence and the National Referral

Protocol on Gender-based Violence.

101. The Netherlands welcomed the implementation of the Right to Access Information

Bill (2013) and the HIV/AIDS Commission Act. It noted that laws criminalizing

consensual same-sex relations were still in place.

102. The Niger congratulated Sierra Leone for its efforts to combat the Ebola disease and

noted with satisfaction the strengthening of the legislative framework in the field of human

rights through the adoption of several laws.

103. Nigeria appreciated the commitment of Sierra Leone to promoting and protecting

human rights and commended the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2011, the

Right to Access to Information Act, 2013 and the Sexual Offences Act, 2012.

104. Oman took note of the national report submitted by Sierra Leone and made

recommendations.

105. Pakistan appreciated the efforts of Sierra Leone to implement the recommendations

from the previous cycle and the impediments due to the Ebola crisis. It noted measures

taken to promote and protect human rights, particularly of women, children and persons

with disabilities.

106. Brazil commended the efforts of Sierra Leone in strengthening the independence of

its human rights commission and commended the ratification of the Convention against

Torture and the signature of its Optional Protocol.

107. France welcomed the measures taken by Sierra Leone since its first review cycle,

and appreciated in particular the adoption of the law on legal aid and the law on sexual

violence.

108. The Plurinational State of Bolivia appreciated the efforts of Sierra Leone to improve

women’s health through the initiative of Free Medical Care for pregnant women, nursing

mothers and children under 5, and by stepping up efforts to decentralize the educational

process.

109. The Democratic Republic of the Congo congratulated Sierra Leone for its efforts

towards implementing the recommendations from the previous cycle and towards achieving

the reform of the justice system.

110. The delegation of Sierra Leone thanked all speakers for their words of comfort and

courage, extended to their people during the difficult times of the Ebola. On behalf of the

Government and people of Sierra Leone, the delegation extended deepest its appreciation.

II. Conclusions and/or recommendations

111. The following recommendations will be examined by Sierra Leone, which will

provide its responses in due time, but no later than the thirty-second session of the

Human Rights Council, in June 2016:

111.1 Sign and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death

penalty, as well as eliminate definitively the death penalty in all cases (Spain);

111.2 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty

(Switzerland) (Belgium) (Montenegro) (France);

111.3 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Benin);

111.4 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture

(Honduras);

111.5 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (Poland);

111.6 Ratify without further delay the Optional Protocol to the Convention

against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment

(Denmark);

111.7 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatments or Punishments, following its

signature in 2003 (Croatia);

111.8 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

establish a national preventive mechanism accordingly (Czech Republic);

111.9 Take the necessary measures to ratify the Optional Protocol to the

Convention against Torture (Chile);

111.10 Continue efforts to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention

against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or

Punishment (Morocco);

111.11 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance and the Optional Protocol to the Convention

against Torture (Tunisia);

**

The conclusions and recommendations have not been edited.

111.12 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and

Other Cruel, Inhuman and or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the

International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced

Disappearance (France);

111.13 Ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, and the

Convention against Torture, as well as its Optional Protocol (Portugal);

111.14 Ratify the Convention against Torture and its Optional Protocol

(Lebanon);

111.15 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of

All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Optional Protocol to the

Convention against Torture (Djibouti);

111.16 Sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant

on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Second Optional Protocol to

the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition

of the death penalty (Djibouti);

111.17 Ratify the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or

Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the International Convention for the

Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and ensure their

implementation in the country (Cabo Verde);

111.18 Consider the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention

on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; the

International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant

Workers and Members of their Families; and the International Convention for

the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Burkina Faso);

111.19 Finalize the process of the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

and ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child

on a communications procedure (Slovakia);

111.20 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of

All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Belgium) (Ghana);

111.21 Move towards speedy ratification of the Optional Protocol to the

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women,

including an effective programme for their implementation (Chile);

111.22 Expedite the process of ratification of the Optional Protocol to the

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women

(Burundi);

111.23 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of

All Forms of Discrimination against Women, adopt national legislation

prohibiting female genital mutilation and implement standards on women’s

rights in order to ensure that they can enjoy autonomy (Madagascar);

111.24 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance (Benin);

111.25 Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearances (Montenegro) (Niger);

111.26 Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons

from Enforced Disappearance (Oman);

111.27 Accelerate the process towards the ratification of International

Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and

Members of their Families and the Optional Protocol to the International

Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Philippines);

111.28 Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of

All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (Honduras);

111.29 Ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of

All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (Niger);

111.30 Expedite the process of ratification of the International Convention

on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their

Families (Indonesia);

111.31 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Ghana);

111.32 Ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities (Ghana);

111.33 Accede to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the

Crime of Genocide (Armenia);

111.34 Ratify the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the

Crime of Genocide (Benin);

111.35 Ratify the International Labour Organization Indigenous and Tribal

Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169) and Domestic Workers Convention, 2011

(No. 189) (Benin);

111.36 Consider ratifying the International Labour Organization Domestic

Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189) (Philippines);

111.37 Ratify international instruments as previously recommended and

supported in the first universal periodic review, as appropriate (Uruguay);

111.38 Step up the ratification procedure of all the international instruments

submitted to Parliament (Congo);

111.39 Continue efforts in the context of the Constitutional Review Process

(South Africa);

111.40 Accelerate the Constitutional Review Process (Lesotho);

111.41 Expedite the review of the Constitution and make appropriate

amendments in order to align the national legislation and policies with regional

and international human rights obligations undertaken by the country (Chile);

111.42 Speed up the review process of its Constitution and include special

considerations regarding equality between men and women (Israel);

111.43 Strengthen efforts to make effective the Constitutional Reform

already under way (Niger);

111.44 Continue to implement the recommendations of the Truth and

Reconciliation Commission, emphasizing the review and amendment of the

constitutional provisions which could discriminate against women, in particular

paragraph 4 of article 27 of the Constitution (Colombia);

111.45 Ensure the effective implementation of the Domestic Violence Act

and the Sexual Offences Act, specially by promoting access to justice (Brazil);

111.46 Continue to enact specific legislation to implement the Convention on

the Rights of the Child (Pakistan);

111.47 Ensure that all legal standards are in conformity with the Convention

on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and actively

fight against the practice of female genital mutilation (France);

111.48 Enact legislation to prohibit female genital mutilation and conduct

awareness-raising programmes in this regard, particularly for parents, women

and girls (Poland);

111.49 Domesticate the international human rights law (Zambia);

111.50 Allocate more resources and double efforts with the aim to conclude

the ongoing legal reforms to harmonize national laws with international human

rights standards and obligations (Malaysia);

111.51 Strengthen key human rights institutions with a sharp focus on the

protection of women and children (Lesotho);

111.52 Provide its National Human Rights Commission with adequate

funding in order for it to be able to fulfil its role (Portugal);

111.53 Ensure the independence of the National Human Rights Commission

(Egypt);

111.54 Continue to advance the work of the National Commission for

Human Rights through, among others, developing a comprehensive human

rights national action plan (Indonesia);

111.55 Incorporate lessons learned from the Ebola crisis in future policies

and actions for human rights promotion and protection, including in the

Constitutional Review Process (Jamaica);

111.56 To continue to promote and protect the fundamental freedoms and

human rights of all its citizens (Nigeria);

111.57 Continue the implementation of the National Referral Protocol on

Gender-based Violence and the National Plan of Action on Gender-based

Violence (2012) all across the country (Azerbaijan);

111.58 Take effective measures to further implement the National Action

Plan on Gender-based Violence (Lao People’s Democratic Republic);

111.59 Continue with measures aimed at protecting and respecting civil and

political rights (Côte d’Ivoire);

111.60 Implement a national strategy against corruption in order to fight

against its effects that impair the enjoyment of human rights (Morocco);

111.61 Submit the belated national reports to the treaty bodies (Egypt);

111.62 Take concreate measures to eliminate discrimination against women

and girls in law and in practice, also by accelerating the constitutional review in

the area of gender equality (Slovenia);

111.63 Ensure gender equality by including it in the Constitution and enact

relevant laws, namely, on the empowerment of women and gender equality, and

to combat stereotypes that encourage discrimination against women (Egypt);

111.64 Pass a law guaranteeing gender equality and take the necessary

measures to empower women and society (Oman);

111.65 Redouble efforts to implement laws and policies countrywide to

promote gender equality (Honduras);

111.66 Take measures to enforce laws and policies to promote equality

between men and women (Madagascar);

111.67 Take temporary special measures to address gender equality and

consider reintroducing the gender equality bill to Parliament (Maldives);

111.68 Undertake efforts to combat gender inequality by legislating laws

that would ensure gender equality and to enable women to participate in

governmental legislative positions in the country (Iraq);

111.69 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 (Slovenia);

111.70 Eliminate effectively discrimination against women and develop a

comprehensive policy for gender equality and the elimination of violence

against women through awareness-raising campaigns in society and in the

public administration (Spain);

111.71 Continue taking measures to protect women from traditional

practices which hinder full realization of their rights, and continue

implementing regulations to end all forms of discrimination against them

(Pakistan);

111.72 Continue efforts to end discrimination and violence against women

by taking all necessary measures to guarantee equal and effective access to

justice for women and to ensure access to all levels of education (Djibouti);

111.73 Put an end to the measures that exclude young pregnant girls from

the educational system (Belgium);

111.74 Reverse the policy barring pregnant girls from attending schools and

sitting state examinations, and encourage girls to return to school after

childbirth (Ireland);

111.75 End the practice of prohibiting pregnant girls in Sierra Leone from

attending schools and taking exams, as required under article 2 and 28 of the

Convention on the Rights of the Child (Canada);

111.76 Permit teenage mothers to return to formal education and to sit

exams while pregnant and after giving birth, including the use of gradual

approaches, such as separate classes or sittings, aimed at breaking cycles of

poverty, teenage pregnancy and domestic abuse (Jamaica);

111.77 Step up its efforts to combat discrimination against women and

prohibit corporal punishment of children in all circumstances (Tunisia);

111.78 Continue the efforts to promote parity between men and women

(Algeria);

111.79 Adopt the bill on gender equality with a view to ensuring gender

parity, particularly in the participation to governance and to the nomination of

positions within the public sector (Democratic Republic of the Congo);

111.80 Decriminalize same-sex conduct between consenting adults and pass

legislation to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender

identity (Canada);

111.81 Repeal sections 61 and 62 of the “Offences Against the Persons Act

1861”, which criminalize consensual same-sex relations (Netherlands);

111.82 Repeal legal provisions penalising sexual relations between

consenting adults of the same sex, in order to respect the principles of equality

and non-discrimination among all persons (France);

111.83 Make the necessary legal amendments in order to eliminate

standards that criminalize and stigmatize lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender

and intersex persons (Argentina);

111.84 Encourage the adoption of measures to guarantee the human rights

of the lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender and intersex population (Colombia);

111.85 Strengthen norms and programmes to combat discrimination and

violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity (Chile);

111.86 Continue working to destigmatize Ebola and address the

disproportionate impact of the crisis on women and health workers (Australia);

111.87 Implement measures to ensure the full enjoyment of rights by

persons with disabilities, especially regarding inclusive education (Israel);

111.88 Take measures to raise awareness in the population with a view to

eliminating stigmatization and discrimination suffered by persons with

disabilities (Madagascar);

111.89 Foster policies and strategies to guarantee the rights of persons with

disabilities (Mexico);

111.90 Continue to implement laws and regulations for protection and

promotion of rights of people with disabilities (Pakistan);

111.91 Abolish the death penalty (Djibouti);

111.92 Abolish the death penalty in law (Germany);

111.93 Abolish officially the death penalty in the country (Portugal);

111.94 Take further steps aiming at the abolition of the death penalty

(Mozambique);

111.95 Redouble efforts to address and abolish the death penalty in the

context of the review process of the Constitution (Panama);

111.96 Take the opportunity brought by the review process of the

Constitution to include in statute the definitive abolition of the death penalty

(Switzerland);

111.97 Introduce into national legislation the abolition of the death penalty

and accede to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on

Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty

(Uruguay);

111.98 Proceed with the legal abolition of the death penalty and ratify the

Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political

Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty (Australia);

111.99 Criminalize explicitly torture in the Criminal Code and bring to

justice those accused of practising it (Spain);

111.100 Review domestic legislation in order to ensure the effective

criminalization of all acts of torture, pursuant to the obligations under the

Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading

Treatment or Punishment (Honduras);

111.101 Take measures to prevent and prosecute cases of torture and ill-

treatment, namely, through the adoption, in its legislation of a definition of

torture in compliance with the Convention against Torture and the

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Portugal);

111.102 Define and criminalize the offence of torture in the national criminal

statute (Mexico);

111.103 Include in the national penal legislation a clear definition of torture

and ensure its strict criminalization (Egypt);

111.104 Implement a zero-tolerance policy on sexual and gender-based

violence and ensure the prosecution of all perpetrators of violence against

women, rehabilitation and support for victims of violence (Slovakia);

111.105 Implement a zero-tolerance policy on sexual and gender-based

violence and ensure the prosecution of all perpetrators of violence against

women, combined with rehabilitation and support for victims (Albania);

111.106 Pass laws prohibiting female genital mutilation (Lebanon);

111.107 Step up the efforts to combat female genital mutilation (Maldives);

111.108 Totally ban female genital mutilation as opposed to the age limit of 18

age and criminalize the practice (Zambia);

111.109 Explicitly prohibit all harmful practices against women of all ages,

including female genital mutilation, child, early and forced marriage and

practices inflicted on elderly women in relation to allegations of witchcraft, and

take all necessary measures to enforce the prohibition (Slovenia);

111.110 Address the issue of female genital mutilation in an appropriate

manner through awareness-raising programmes for parents, women, girls and

traditional and religious leaders and suitable legal instruments, as previously

recommended in the first universal periodic review and accepted by Sierra

Leone (Germany);

111.111 Punish the practice of female genital mutilation and any harmful

practices for physical and psychological health of girls and women (Spain);

111.112 Explicitly criminalize female genital mutilation and cutting in the

domestic laws of Sierra Leone to achieve further progress in eliminating this

harmful practice (Australia);

111.113 Adopt a law prohibiting participation of minor girls in initiation rites

(Congo);

111.114 Continue to strive for a careful balance between measures taken

against harmful traditional practices and respect for traditional cultural and

spiritual beliefs (Jamaica);

111.115 Adopt pertinent measures for economic empowerment of women, and

intensify actions against female genital mutilation and early marriage (Cabo

Verde);

111.116 Ensure the protection of the rights of women, especially by

criminalizing and implementing laws on female genital mutilation, domestic

and sexual violence (Botswana);

111.117 Prohibit legally female genital mutilation, as previously

recommended (Switzerland);

111.118 Introduce the total legislative ban of female genital mutilation, to

initiate a public discussion and awareness-raising campaign on female genital

mutilation as a violation of human rights of girls and women (Czech Republic);

111.119 Strengthen the ban on the initiation of women with the view to totally

eliminating the practice of female genital mutilation in the country (Uganda);

111.120 Eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation and continue its

efforts regarding gender equality (Angola);

111.121 Continue the efforts to combat the practice of female genital

mutilation (Algeria);

111.122 Explicitly prohibit traditional practices that harm the rights of

women (Argentina);

111.123 Accelerate the efforts directed towards ending the harmful and

traumatic practice of female genital mutilation (Croatia);

111.124 Take concrete steps to eliminate gender-based violence, in particular

female genital mutilation (Czech Republic);

111.125 Continue to take measures to protect and promote the human rights

of women, including the introduction of legislation to prohibit female genital

mutilation (Japan);

111.126 Continues its efforts to address violence against women and to speed

up efforts to enact the Gender Equality Bill (Namibia);

111.127 Adopt measures to prevent, punish and eradicate violence against

women (Israel);

111.128 Take the necessary steps to combat girls’ sexual abuse, in particular

at school (Armenia);

111.129 Adopt appropriate measures to combat sexual abuse of girls in

school, backed-up by the necessary human, technical and financial resources

for any mechanisms (Honduras);

111.130 Consolidate measures aimed at combating violence against

vulnerable groups (Côte d’Ivoire);

111.131 Take effective measures to provide adequate legal and other

assistance for domestic and international trafficking victims, and intensify

efforts to identify and prosecute trafficking cases (United States of America);

111.132 Take the necessary measures to adopt and implement the Child

Labour Action Plan and provide information on the results achieved (Albania);

111.133 Expedite implementation of the National action plan against child

labour exploitation (Angola);

111.134 Continue national efforts to eliminate the phenomenon of child

labour, including through a review of national labour legislations and increase

community awareness about this phenomenon (Libya);

111.135 Promote efforts to prohibit child labour and eradicate this practice in

the country (Oman);

111.136 Accelerate reforms within the justice sector in order to improve the

conditions of judges and strengthen the independence of the judiciary

(Portugal);

111.137 Continue to reform the judicial system in order to guarantee its

independence and capacity to administrate justice, and speed up efforts to

abolish the death penalty (Costa Rica);

111.138 Continue efforts for the reform of the judiciary, to improve access to

justice and fight against the abusive recourse to pretrial detention (France);

111.139 Support the independence of judiciary and combat impunity (Oman);

111.140 Fight against impunity of the perpetrators of human rights violations,

particularly those perpetrated during the civil war which have not been judged

by the Special Tribunal for Sierra Leone, as well as those perpetrated by

members of the law enforcement agencies (France);

111.141 Ensure access to justice for vulnerable groups, especially women and

children, whom have been victimized by violence and abuse (Malaysia);

111.142 Continue to eliminate barriers to women enjoying effective access to

justice and promote knowledge of their rights and provide basic legal assistance

(Mexico);

111.143 Guarantee all individuals the right to be tried within reasonable time

or released, and introduce alternative punishments to the imprisonment

(Switzerland);

111.144 Take appropriate actions to reduce prison overcrowding, including

through a reduction in lengthy pretrial detention and alternatives to custodial

sentences for minor offences (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern

Ireland);

111.145 Carry out measures to reduce overcrowding in prisons (Egypt);

111.146 Consider alternatives to prolonged pretrial detention and provide

adequate resources to address poor prison conditions (United States of

America);

111.147 Ensure adequate allocation of resources towards court infrastructure

and capacity-building in the Judiciary (Botswana);

111.148 Combat impunity by ensuring prompt, thorough and transparent

investigations of all violations against human rights defenders, and the

prosecution of perpetrators (Canada);

111.149 Continue to adopt measures to strengthen the criminal justice system,

in order to ensure accountability for crimes committed (Cuba);

111.150 Prioritize the setting-up of the Independent Police Complaint Board,

building on best practices of the Complaints, Discipline and Internal

Investigations Department (Jamaica);

111.151 Ensure that all police officers are aware of and abide by international

human rights standards on police use of force (Germany);

111.152 Take prompt action to prevent harassment by police officers of

members of the national Human Rights Commission, human rights defenders

and citizens (Japan);

111.153 Continue supporting the family institution, which is one of the most

important units in achieving goals of sustainable development goals in any

State (Russian Federation);

111.154 Amend the Sierra Leone Citizenship Act so that women can transfer

their nationality to their children and non-national spouses on an equal basis

with men, and include a provision in the new Constitution which grants equal

nationality rights to men and women (Canada);

111.155 Ensure equality of rights between men and women to acquire,

transfer, change or conserve nationality and transmit it to children born

abroad, as recommended in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of

Discrimination against Women (Colombia);

111.156 Adopt measures to ensure that women can acquire, transfer, change

or preserve their nationality and transfer it to their children born abroad, such

that these children could be recognised by law through birth registration

(Mexico);

111.157 Ensure full enjoyment of freedom and equality of religion and

worship in the country (Cabo Verde);

111.158 Develop and enhance laws to protect the freedom of belief, freedom

of expression and freedom of the press (Lebanon);

111.159 Take concrete steps to ensure the full enjoyment of the right to

freedom of expression for all, including journalists and human rights

defenders, and strengthen protection of journalists and human rights defenders

against harassment and persecution (Czech Republic);

111.160 Uphold the right to freedom of expression, including journalists and

human rights defenders, in particular taking steps to ensure that defamation

charges are not used to undermine the right to freedom of expression (United

Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland);

111.161 Refrain from criminalizing the legitimate activities of human rights

defenders and journalists and repeal or amend all laws and policies which

restrict their activities and rights (Netherlands);

111.162 Refrain from arbitrary arrest and the use of criminal libel laws

against and harassment of journalists and opposition members (United States

of America);

111.163 Repeal or revise the Public Order Act and Criminal and Seditious

Libel laws, and guarantee freedom of expression for journalists (Ireland);

111.164 Decriminalize defamation in order to make it a civil offence

(Belgium);

111.165 Take steps to fully and effectively implement the 2013 Freedom of

Information Act, including by repealing criminal libel laws and the 1965 Public

Order Act (Canada);

111.166 Implement a more inclusive governance system that promotes further

representation of women into the national institutions (Congo);

111.167 Continue efforts to facilitate a greater participation and

representation of women in public offices and in higher levels of decision-

making positions (Israel);

111.168 Pass legislation that promotes further political participation of

women in public elections positions (Costa Rica);

111.169 Implement recommendations of the 2012 European Union election

observation mission promoting inclusiveness and transparency of the election

process (Czech Republic);

111.170 Continue the efforts to end poverty (Lebanon);

111.171 Continue to strengthen the programmes of social protection being

implemented in order to provide the best possible welfare and quality of life for

its people, especially for those most in need (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela);

111.172 Take the necessary steps to implement the “Agenda for Prosperity”

in an effective and timely manner (Azerbaijan);

111.173 Take measures to implement policies and programmes targeted at

reducing poverty and improving the economy including the realization of the

Agenda for Prosperity (Malaysia);

111.174 Make further improvements in the socioeconomic conditions with the

view to promoting human rights in the country (Ethiopia);

111.175 Address the issue of inadequate water supply in the country urgently,

including by providing appropriate temporary measures to communities in

rural and urban areas in finding alternative means of water supply (Malaysia);

111.176 Continue to implement policies for socioeconomic development of its

people under the Sustainable Development Goals (Pakistan);

111.177 Further continue improving health infrastructural institutions to

withstand diseases like the Ebola pandemic (Ethiopia);

111.178 While expressing appreciation for the efforts undertaken in order to

combat Ebola, we urge the Government of Sierra Leone to continue

undertaking its efforts aimed at combating this disease and strengthen the

health infrastructure and the management of the public health system (Iraq);

111.179 Duly implement and follow-up on the National Health Strategic Plan,

above all its HIV related provisions, with a view to fighting new infections,

discrimination and lethality (Brazil);

111.180 Strengthen the health service infrastructure and the restructuring of

the public health system (Panama);

111.181 Strengthen the health infrastructure throughout the national

territory (Senegal);

111.182 Continue to take the necessary steps to further strengthen its public

health-care system (Singapore);

111.183 Improve on providing health care facilities to all communities in the

country (Nigeria);

111.184 Take steps to ensure that free health care can be perpetually made

accessible to vulnerable populations enabling them to enjoy high health

coverage (Madagascar);

111.185 Ensure that vulnerable groups, especially women and children in

rural areas, have access to quality health care services (Lao People’s

Democratic Republic);

111.186 Strengthen efforts in addressing maternal and child mortality (South

Africa);

111.187 Make further efforts to build the capacity in both human resources

and in the health sector to deal with epidemics and other health challenges, and

request the international community to continue to assist Sierra Leone in

building the capacity (Uganda);

111.188 Continue to advance its poverty reduction strategy and increase

investment to health and education to improve national health-care system and

raise education coverage (China);

111.189 Enhance the adoption of measures aimed at preventing the teenage

pregnancy incidence (Colombia);

111.190 Integrate human rights education into the education system and in

the military training institutions (Senegal);

111.191 Move forward training programmes on human rights for the security

forces, and prevent, investigate and sanction cases of violence committed by law

enforcement officials (Costa Rica);

111.192 Provide more human rights education and training programmes for

law enforcement officials and agents (Oman);

111.193 Ensure that the New Education Sector Plan is well implemented and

adequately resourced, in order to raise education standards at all levels in the

country (Singapore);

111.194 Implement the Education Sector Plan as well as strategies and

activities included in the Plan, to improve education management within the

period 2014-2018 (Cuba);

111.195 Take measures to ensure the provision of the required resources for

the full implementation of the new educational system introduced in 2012

(Namibia);

111.196 Prioritize universal basic education for the benefit of all Sierra

Leonean children (Nigeria);

111.197 Promote the completion of education for children, and remove all

hindrances and discrimination against children in fulfilling their right to

education (Malaysia);

111.198 Strengthen all policies to bolster basic education, including education

for girls, adult literacy and education for persons with disabilities

(Madagascar);

111.199 Strengthen measures to ensure that women’s access to education is

enhanced (South Africa);

111.200 Continuing education programmes and early warning concerning

teen pregnancies and ensure that girls and pregnant teenagers continue their

studies during pregnancy (Uruguay);

111.201 Ensure the rights of all girls to education by inter alia reversing a

decision to ban pregnant girls from attending classes and exams (Germany);

111.202 Promote school enrolment of girls and literacy of women (Angola);

111.203 Establish a range of measures for the application of the 2014 law on

education with a view to ending women and young girls’ illiteracy (Democratic

Republic of the Congo);

111.204 Promote efforts to fight illiteracy (Lebanon);

111.205 Engage the civil society in the follow-up implementation process of

the recommendations raised during the universal periodic review (Poland);

111.206 Continue to engage its regional and bilateral partners with the view

to build capacity and mobilize resources in support of efforts to fulfil its human

rights obligations (Philippines);

111.207 Strengthen efforts in infrastructure development in the country

(South Africa);

111.208 Continue its efforts in implementing the outstanding

recommendations from the previous universal periodic review cycle (Ukraine).

112. All conclusions and/or recommendations contained in the present report reflect

the position of the submitting State(s) and/or the State under review. They should not

be construed as endorsed by the Working Group as a whole.

Annex

Composition of the delegation

The delegation of Sierra Leone was headed by the Attorney General and Minister of

Justice, H. E. Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara and composed of the following members:

• Dr. Mohamed Gibril Sesay Minister of State 1, MFAIC

• Yvette Stevens, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to

Switzerland and all United Nations Bodies

• Dr. Henry M’Bawa Coordinator JSCO

• Ms. Cassandra Labor Legal Expert

• Mr. Christopher L. Bockarie Human Rights Desk Officer