Human Rights in Sierra Leone
Human Rights Concerns
Stability and security have increased in Sierra Leone since 2002 with the end of the country’s decade-long war. However, significant challenges face the establishment of a culture and political system that honors and defends human rights for Sierra Leoneans. The crimes of the recent violent past must be redressed.
Genital mutilation remains prevalent in the country, and rape and domestic violence cases need more aggressive prosecution. The administration of justice remains severely compromised by inadequate training, resources, and infrastructure as well as the prevalence of corruption throughout the system. Finally, Sierra Leoneans face grinding poverty. Economic justice eludes them.
UPDATE: Great news for global justice
On April 3, Charles Taylor, former President of Liberia, had his first day in court in the Special Court for Sierra Leone. The court prosecuter read out the 11 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity facing Charles Taylor due to his involvement in Sierra Leone's civil war of the 1990s. Three years after the original indictment Charles Taylor has finally been brought into the custody court to face the charges against him. Read the transcript of the online discussion | Learn more »
Latest News
Sierra Leone: Women of Sierra Leone Suffer Painful Legacy of Wartimes' Sexual Slavery, Torture and Mass Rapes Years Later, Amnesty International ReportsNovember 01, 2007
Sierra Leone: Statement on the Sierra Leone Sentencings by Vienna Colucci, Director, International Justice Program, Amnesty International USA
July 19, 2007
Sierra Leone: Guilty Verdicts in Sierra Leone Not the End of the Story for Victims of War Crimes, Says Amnesty International
June 20, 2007
Sierra Leone: Amnesty International Launches Campaign to Win Legal Rights for Women
July 31, 2006
SIerra Leone: Fighting impunity in Africa: Need for a comprehensive and consistent approach
April 03, 2006
USA: New Shopping Guide on the 5 Cs of Perfect Diamonds
February 10, 2006
Latest Reports
Vital UN human rights work under threatMay 09, 2007
Sierra Leone: Women face human rights abuses in the informal legal sector
May 17, 2006
Sierra Leone: Special Court for Sierra Leone: Issues for consideration regarding the location of the trial of Charles Taylor
April 05, 2006
The call for tough arms control: Voices from Sierra Leone
January 09, 2006
