Human Rights Commission presents report to President Koroma
The chairperson of the Human Rights Commission Sierra Leone has today presented the Commission’s third Annual Report 2009 to President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma at State House.
The Chairperson, Edward Sam said the Commission is please to note that the human rights situation in Sierra Leone in 2009 was generally satisfactory and commended the government for its observance and respect for many of the fundamental rights and freedom set out in our 1991 constitution and in international agreements that the country has signed and ratified.
He however observed that there are still challenges that government must address.
The report commends government for up grading infrastructure, improving health services and increasing the allocation to the health sector in the 2009 national budget.
It also called on government and the International Community to redouble their efforts and resources to tackle and overcome poverty in Sierra Leone.
On Civil and political rights he said the report noted the institution of the MACP in response to the spate of armed robberies but was disappointed at the low rate of prosecutions and convictions for serious crimes.
He maintained that the death penalty violates the right to life and called for its abolition.
Edward Sam commended the president for the apology to women and girls in March 2010 and asked for the disability rights bill to be passed into law.
With regards youths unemployment the Commission called for government to operationalize the Youth Commission and to implement the full recommendation of the TRC.
Speaking President Koroma thanked them for the report and that issues raised have been noted and will be closely considered by government.
He commended the Commission for doing a good job and expressed satisfaction for government being given a pass mark on human rights.
President Koroma promised to invite the Commission to a meeting with stakeholders for discussions on the report.
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