Continuing reports of human rights abuses

Rebel forces in Sierra Leone continue to perpetrate human rights violations including rape, summary executions and the recruitment of child soldiers, Manoel De Almeida E Silva, deputy spokesman of the UN Secretary-General, reported in New York on Monday. The UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) has been receiving information on rights abuses from civilians fleeing areas held by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), including the northern towns of Makeni, Magburaka and Lunsar, he said. Thousands of civilians (IDPs) have been displaced from these areas since clashes broke out in early May between pro-government forces and RUF rebels. Humanitarian sources in Freetown told IRIN on Tuesday that the reports did not necessarily indicate a rise in violations but rather these were now receiving more information as IDPs arrive in Mile 91, Port Loko, Lungi and Freetown, where aid agencies are operational. The most common forms of abuse are the looting of civilian property, and the stealing of food and documents, a humanitarian source said. Some families have also had their movement restricted, while young adults and children have been forcibly recruited by the RUF. There have also been reports of executions, rapes and amputations, the source said. In a report issued on Friday, Amnesty International said the abduction, rape and sexual slavery of girls and women in Sierra Leone has to stop. “Rape, sexual slavery and other forms of sexual violence by rebel forces have been systematic and widespread,” AI noted. Sexual abuse has taken place despite the signing of a peace treaty between the government and Revolutionary United Front in Lome in July 1999, it added. Meanwhile unconfirmed reports from Freetown indicate that Masiaka, some 60 km east of Freetown has been occupied by RUF forces. A British army officer was reported by the BBC as saying that there was a “significant presence” around the town. However, UNAMSIL was unable to confirm the report immediately.