The RSLAF Regimental Sergeant Major for 12th Battalion deployed in Kabala, A.B Gamanga recognizes the rights of people and explained steps taken by the ROAD in the promotion and protection of human rights. He said the RSLAF have been going for international peace keeping and training on international humanitarian laws protecting citizen’s rights. Detective Sergeant Keita attached at the Kabala Police station said The Sierra Leone Police respects the rights of their suspects with dignity as they work within the ambits of the law.
In his own contribution, the Kabala Correctional Center Manager, Bai Kargbo emphasized their integral role in upholding the rights8 of their inmates. He mentioned various declarations like the Mandela Rules and the Bangkok rules that are under implementation by the Correctional Centers.
He also mentioned that they use the normalcy principle where people are allowed to visit inmates and where inmates are provided the opportunity with telephone calls to their loved ones. “even when we keep them in custody, we ensure that their rights are protected” he mentioned.
Paramount Chief Gbawuru Mansaray of Wara Wara Yagala Chiefdom stressed that human rights encompasses the rights of everybody and stated steps taken by his chiefdom on the areas of protecting the rights of women and children. The Paramount Chief also said his chiefdom upholds the age of consent in the area of bondo society; preach against early marriage and teenage pregnancy.
The Vice Chairperson of HRCSL, Grace Coleridge-Taylor admonished the stakeholders to respect the rights of people and to end discrimination against persons with disability, the aged and women. She said the HRCSL was established by an Act of Parliament to take the lead role in the protection and promotion of human rights in Sierra Leone. In doing that, she said the Commission receives processes and investigates complaints of alleged human rights violations and it engages in public education and awareness rising and also monitors and documents violations of human rights.
The HRCSL Director of Education, Communication and Training, Frederick I Kamara and the Director of Complaints, Investigations and Legal Services, Doris Sonsiama explained the over of the mandate and functions of the Commission as well as the overview of the complaint handling procedures respectively.
