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Sierra Leone has made remarkable progress in its peace process and advocates have been able to work on addressing past abuses and violations, advocacy, capacity building, education and institution building, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) reported.
A report quoted by the UN News service on Wednesday said the main remaining challenges in Sierra Leone included redressing present-day violations and developing national capacity to promote and protect human rights.
UNHCHR, it said, would like to collaborate with the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) in responding to the country's human rights needs, said the report, completed on 7 August.
"One way of doing this is by deepening working relationships with local State and non-state actors, especially stakeholders within civil society to persuade representatives at the senior level that the consolidation and institutionalization of the human rights agenda is needed," the report said.
"Support to the bodies vested with the functions of dealing with past abuses - the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Special Court - should continue to be prioritised, taking into consideration the independence of those institutions," UNHCHR added.
It called for continued development of training modules for the judiciary and law enforcement agencies on human rights in the administration of justice, with special emphasis on the due process of law and the handling of juvenile offenders, as well as respect for the human rights of women, internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups.
This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions
