protection human rights in S/L

Question 1

obligations of government

Answer 1

Sec 4 of the 1991 Constitution, Act

Question 2

fundamental principles not justiciable

Answer 2

Sec 14

Question 3

section 15

Question 4

list of sections

Question 5

protection from inhuman treatment

Answer 5

Section 20

Question 6

protection from discrimination

Answer 6

Sec 27

Question 7

HRCSL, Mandate

Answer 7

Human right act 2004

Question 8

functions of the HRCSL

Answer 8

HRA

Question 9

Powers and Limitations of the HRCSL

Answer 9

HRA

Question 10

Treaties Ratified by S/L

Answer 10

Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948
Convention Against Torture and Other, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, 10 Dec 1984.
Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), 20 Nov 1989.
International Covenant Economic Social Cultural Rights (ICESC), 16 Dec 1966.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), 16 Dec 1966.
International Covenant Economic Social Cultural Rights (ICESC), 16 Dec 1966.
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) 21 Dec 1965.
International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), 13 Dec 2006.
African (Banjul) Charter on Human And Peoples’ Rights, 27 June 1981
Source: UN Treaty Body Database

Question 11

domesticized treaties

Answer 11

Sierra Leone has a dualist system of incorporating International Laws.
International Law becomes part domestic law by either act of INCORPORATION or through JUDICIAL USE (i.e relied upon by Sierra Leonean Court as binding precedents).
The Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Maputo Protocol – focal point is The Ministry of Social Gender and Children’s Affairs -

Question 12

legislative reforms

Answer 12

Violence against women – Art. 4 Maputo Protocol – right life, integrity & security (The Domestic Violence Act 2007)

The Registration of Customary Marriage 2008- recognition of customary marriages to be registered & divorce – (Arts. 6(d) & 7 Maputo Protocol)

The Devolution of Estates Act 2007 – address issues of inheritance or property by women upon the demise of their spouses ( Art. 21 Maputo Protocol – i.e widows right to inheritance).