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Repetition Article 1(a) of the Convention. Penal sanctions involving compulsory labour as a punishment for expressing political views. In its earlier comments the Committee asked the Government to provide information on the application in practice of sections 24, 32 and 33 of the Public Order Act, 1965 (concerning public meetings, the publication of false news and seditious offences), as well as information on the activities of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) referred to in the Government’s report. It further requested particulars of the outcome of the work of the Constitutional Review Committee, to which the Government had been referring since 1995. The Committee notes with regret that no report in reply to its comments has been received from the Government. Noting that the Supreme Court, in a November 2009 ruling, dismissed a challenge (under section 25 of the Constitution guaranteeing the freedom of expression) to the constitutional validity of the provisions of the Public Order Act, 1965, which criminalize defamatory and seditious libel, the Committee once again asks the Government to provide information on the application in practice of sections 24, 32 and 33 of the Public Order Act, 1965. The Committee notes that section 12(5) of the Political Parties Act, 2002, prohibits a political party from holding a public meeting without having been issued a final certificate of registration by the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), and that under section 28 of the Act the executive members of a political party that does so are liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year (which may involve compulsory labour by virtue of section 45 of the Prisons Ordinance, 1960). The Committee requests the Government to provide information about the application in practice of these sections of the Act, including information on the activities of the PPRC, as well as on relevant court rulings and any sentences imposed. The Committee notes that, under section 40(a) of the Independent Media Commission Act, 2000, any person who operates a media institution without a licence from or registration by the IMC is liable on summary conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years (which may involve compulsory prison labour). The Committee requests the Government to provide information about the application of section 40 of the Act in practice, including information on activities of the IMC involving the denial of licensing and registration of media institutions, as well as on any relevant cases involving prosecutions under this section and the imposition of prison sentences. Noting from the “Strategic Plan (2009–11)” of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone that the constitutional review process has yet to be completed, the Committee again requests particulars of the outcome of work of the Constitutional Review Committee, once that work is completed.
Repetition Article 1(a) of the Convention. Penal sanctions involving compulsory labour as a punishment for expressing political views. In its earlier comments the Committee asked the Government to provide information on the application in practice of sections 24, 32 and 33 of the Public Order Act, 1965 (concerning public meetings, the publication of false news and seditious offences), as well as information on the activities of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) referred to in the Government’s report. It further requested particulars of the outcome of the work of the Constitutional Review Committee, to which the Government had been referring since 1995. The Committee notes with regret that no report in reply to its comments has been received from the Government. Noting that the Supreme Court, in a November 2009 ruling, dismissed a challenge (under section 25 of the Constitution guaranteeing the freedom of expression) to the constitutional validity of the provisions of the Public Order Act, 1965, which criminalize defamatory and seditious libel, the Committee once again asks the Government to provide information on the application in practice of sections 24, 32 and 33 of the Public Order Act, 1965. The Committee notes that section 12(5) of the Political Parties Act, 2002, prohibits a political party from holding a public meeting without having been issued a final certificate of registration by the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), and that under section 28 of the Act the executive members of a political party that does so are liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year (which may involve compulsory labour by virtue of section 45 of the Prisons Ordinance, 1960). The Committee requests the Government to provide information about the application in practice of these sections of the Act, including information on the activities of the PPRC, as well as on relevant court rulings and any sentences imposed. The Committee notes that, under section 40(a) of the Independent Media Commission Act, 2000, any person who operates a media institution without a licence from or registration by the IMC is liable on summary conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years (which may involve compulsory prison labour). The Committee requests the Government to provide information about the application of section 40 of the Act in practice, including information on activities of the IMC involving the denial of licensing and registration of media institutions, as well as on any relevant cases involving prosecutions under this section and the imposition of prison sentences. Noting from the “Strategic Plan (2009–11)” of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone that the constitutional review process has yet to be completed, the Committee again requests particulars of the outcome of work of the Constitutional Review Committee, once that work is completed. The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the near future.
Repetition Article 1(a) of the Convention. Penal sanctions involving compulsory labour as a punishment for expressing political views. In its earlier comments the Committee asked the Government to provide information on the application in practice of sections 24, 32 and 33 of the Public Order Act, 1965 (concerning public meetings, the publication of false news and seditious offences), as well as information on the activities of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) referred to in the Government’s report. It further requested particulars of the outcome of the work of the Constitutional Review Committee, to which the Government had been referring since 1995. The Committee notes with regret that no report in reply to its comments has been received from the Government.Noting that the Supreme Court, in a November 2009 ruling, dismissed a challenge (under section 25 of the Constitution guaranteeing the freedom of expression) to the constitutional validity of the provisions of the Public Order Act, 1965, which criminalize defamatory and seditious libel, the Committee once again asks the Government to provide information on the application in practice of sections 24, 32 and 33 of the Public Order Act, 1965.The Committee notes that section 12(5) of the Political Parties Act, 2002, prohibits a political party from holding a public meeting without having been issued a final certificate of registration by the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), and that under section 28 of the Act the executive members of a political party that does so are liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year (which may involve compulsory labour by virtue of section 45 of the Prisons Ordinance, 1960). The Committee requests the Government to provide information about the application in practice of these sections of the Act, including information on the activities of the PPRC, as well as on relevant court rulings and any sentences imposed.The Committee notes that, under section 40(a) of the Independent Media Commission Act, 2000, any person who operates a media institution without a licence from or registration by the IMC is liable on summary conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years (which may involve compulsory prison labour). The Committee requests the Government to provide information about the application of section 40 of the Act in practice, including information on activities of the IMC involving the denial of licensing and registration of media institutions, as well as on any relevant cases involving prosecutions under this section and the imposition of prison sentences.Noting from the “Strategic Plan (2009–11)” of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone that the constitutional review process has yet to be completed, the Committee again requests particulars of the outcome of work of the Constitutional Review Committee, once that work is completed.
The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:
Article 1(a) of the Convention. Penal sanctions involving compulsory labour as a punishment for expressing political views. In its earlier comments the Committee asked the Government to provide information on the application in practice of sections 24, 32 and 33 of the Public Order Act, 1965 (concerning public meetings, the publication of false news and seditious offences), as well as information on the activities of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) referred to in the Government’s report. It further requested particulars of the outcome of the work of the Constitutional Review Committee, to which the Government had been referring since 1995. The Committee notes with regret that no report in reply to its comments has been received from the Government.
Noting that the Supreme Court, in a November 2009 ruling, dismissed a challenge (under section 25 of the Constitution guaranteeing the freedom of expression) to the constitutional validity of the provisions of the Public Order Act, 1965, which criminalize defamatory and seditious libel, the Committee once again asks the Government to provide information on the application in practice of sections 24, 32 and 33 of the Public Order Act, 1965.
The Committee notes that section 12(5) of the Political Parties Act, 2002, prohibits a political party from holding a public meeting without having been issued a final certificate of registration by the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), and that under section 28 of the Act the executive members of a political party that does so are liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year (which may involve compulsory labour by virtue of section 45 of the Prisons Ordinance, 1960). The Committee requests the Government to provide information about the application in practice of these sections of the Act, including information on the activities of the PPRC, as well as on relevant court rulings and any sentences imposed.
The Committee notes that, under section 40(a) of the Independent Media Commission Act, 2000, any person who operates a media institution without a licence from or registration by the IMC is liable on summary conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years (which may involve compulsory prison labour). The Committee requests the Government to provide information about the application of section 40 of the Act in practice, including information on activities of the IMC involving the denial of licensing and registration of media institutions, as well as on any relevant cases involving prosecutions under this section and the imposition of prison sentences.
Noting from the “Strategic Plan (2009–11)” of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone that the constitutional review process has yet to be completed, the Committee again requests particulars of the outcome of work of the Constitutional Review Committee, once that work is completed.
Article 1, subparagraph a, of the Convention. Penal sanctions involving compulsory labour as a punishment for expressing political views. In its earlier comments the Committee asked the Government to provide information on the application in practice of sections 24, 32 and 33 of the Public Order Act, 1965 (concerning public meetings, the publication of false news and seditious offences), as well as information on the activities of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) referred to in the Government’s report. It further requested particulars of the outcome of the work of the Constitutional Review Committee, to which the Government had been referring since 1995. The Committee notes with regret that no report in reply to its comments has been received from the Government.
The Committee notes that no report has been received from the Government. It must therefore repeat its previous observation on the following matters:
Article 1(a) of the Convention. In its earlier comments the Committee requested the Government to supply information on the evolution of the political situation, in so far as it relates to the application of the Convention. The Committee noted that in July 1996, the Constitutional Reinstatement Provisions Act reinstated the suspended parts of the 1991 Constitution and requested the Government to provide information on the application of provisions concerning the freedom of speech and press, freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
The Committee notes the Government’s indications in the report that, since 1996, the political climate of Sierra Leone has improved with regards to speech and press freedom, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, an independent media commission has been established and more radio stations and newspapers have emerged. The Government also states that the Constitutional Review Committee is still ongoing.
The Committee hopes that the Government will provide, in its next report, information on the application in practice of sections 24, 32 and 33 of the Public Order Act (concerning public meetings, the publication of false news and seditious offences), as well as the information on the activities of the independent media commission referred to in the Government’s report. Please also provide particulars of the outcome of work of the Constitutional Review Committee, to which the Government has been referring since 1995.
The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.
The Committee notes the Government’s reply to its earlier comments.
The Committee notes with regret that no report has been received from the Government for the sixth year in succession. It must therefore repeat its previous observation on the following matters:
In its earlier comments the Committee requested the Government to supply indications on the evolution of the political situation, in so far as it relates to the application of the Convention. It noted that the Constitution adopted in 1991 (Act No. 6 of 1991) which provided for the recognition and protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms, had been suspended. The Government informed the Committee in its latest report (1995) that public meetings of a political nature remained banned and that new guidelines for publications had been introduced.
The Committee noted that in July 1996 the Constitutional Reinstatement Provisions Act reinstated the suspended parts of the 1991 Constitution. It further noted the change of government in May 1997 and hoped that the Government would supply information on the developments of the political situation in the country, in so far as the application of the Convention is concerned, and in particular, information on the application of provisions concerning the freedom of speech and press, freedom of peaceful assembly and association. The Committee also asked the Government to provide, in its next report, the information requested in its previous observation on the application in practice of sections 24, 32 and 33 of the Public Order Act (concerning public meetings, the publication of false news and seditious offences). Please also provide particulars of the outcome of work of the Constitutional Review Committee, to which the Government referred in its 1995 report.
The Committee notes with regret that no report has been received from the Government for the fifth year in succession. It must therefore repeat its previous observation on the following matters:
In its earlier comments the Committee requested the Government to supply indications on the evolution of the political situation, in so far as it relates to the application of the Convention. It noted that the Constitution adopted in 1991 (Act No. 6 of 1991) which provided for the recognition and protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms, had been suspended. The Government informed the Committee in its latest report (1995) that public meetings of a political nature remained banned and that new guidelines for publications had been introduced. The Committee noted that in July 1996 the Constitutional Reinstatement Provisions Act reinstated the suspended parts of the 1991 Constitution. It further noted the change of government in May 1997 and hoped that the Government would supply information on the developments of the political situation in the country, in so far as the application of the Convention is concerned, and in particular, information on the application of provisions concerning the freedom of speech and press, freedom of peaceful assembly and association. The Committee also asked the Government to provide, in its next report, the information requested in its previous observation on the application in practice of sections 24, 32 and 33 of the Public Order Act (concerning public meetings, the publication of false news and seditious offences). Please also provide particulars of the outcome of work of the Constitutional Review Committee, to which the Government referred in its 1995 report.
The Committee notes with regret that no report has been received from the Government. It must therefore repeat its previous observation on the following matters:
The Committee hopes that the Government will take all necessary measures in the near future.
The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:
In its earlier comments the Committee requested the Government to supply indications on the evolution of the political situation, in so far as it relates to the application of the Convention. It noted that the Constitution adopted in 1991 (Act No. 6 of 1991) which provided for the recognition and protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms, had been suspended. The Government informed the Committee in its latest report (1995) that public meetings of a political nature remained banned and that new guidelines for publications had been introduced. The Committee noted that in July 1996 the Constitutional Reinstatement Provisions Act reinstated the suspended parts of the 1991 Constitution. It further notes the change of government in May 1997 and hopes that the Government will supply information on the developments of the political situation in the country, in so far as the application of the Convention is concerned, and in particular, the information on the application of provisions concerning the freedom of speech and press, freedom of peaceful assembly and association. The Committee also asks the Government to provide, in its next report, the information requested in its previous observation on the application in practice of sections 24, 32 and 33 of the Public Order Act (concerning public meetings, the publication of false news and seditious offences). Please also provide particulars of the outcome of work of the Constitutional Review Committee, to which the Government referred in its 1995 report.
The Committee notes that in July 1996 the Constitutional Reinstatement Provisions Act reinstated the suspended parts of the 1991 Constitution. It further notes the change of government in May 1997 and hopes that the Government will supply information on the developments of the political situation in the country, in so far as the application of the Convention is concerned, and in particular, the information on the application of provisions concerning the freedom of speech and press, freedom of peaceful assembly and association. The Committee also asks the Government to provide, in its next report, the information requested in its previous observation on the application in practice of sections 24, 32 and 33 of the Public Order Act (concerning public meetings, the publication of false news and seditious offences). Please also provide particulars of the outcome of work of the Constitutional Review Committee, to which the Government referred in its 1995 report.
The Committee notes that the Constitution adopted in 1991 (Act No. 6 of 1991) which provides for the recognition and protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms, was suspended in May 1992. The Committee notes that a council to advise on the reintroduction of a multi-party system has been established.
In its previous comments the Committee referred to the 1978 Constitution (in relation to the Recognized Party) and the Public Order Act. The Committee requested information on the application in practice of sections 24, 32 and 33 of the Public Order Act (concerning public meetings, the publication of false news and seditious offences). The Committee notes the Government's indication in its report that following structural changes in the Ministry of Labour, the Law Officers Department will probably soon provide the information requested.
The Committee hopes that the Government will supply the information in question as well as indications on the evolution of the political situation, as far as it relates to the application of the Convention.
The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation on the following matters:
Article 1(a) of the Convention. 1. In comments made for a number of years, the Committee has asked for information on the practical application of sections 24, 32 and 33 of the Public Order Act (concerning public meetings, the publication of false news and seditious offences), including the number of convictions for offences thereunder and particulars of relevant court decisions defining or illustrating the scope of these provisions. The Committee noted from the Government's report received in 1983 that the information requested was being collected. The Committee noted from that report that correspondence had been reopened requesting the Law Officers Department to state whether there had been convictions under sections 24, 32 and 33 of the Public Order Act during the period 1986-87. The Committee hoped that the information requested would soon be supplied. 2. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that articles 15, 16 and 17 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1978, exclude from the protection of the freedoms of conscience and of assembly and association and from the protection against discrimination, anything contained in, or done under, the authority of any law that makes provision which is reasonably required for safeguarding the proper functioning of the Recognised Party, or which imposes restrictions on the establishment of political parties other than the Recognised Party, or regulates the behaviour of members of that Party, except in so far as that provision is shown not to be reasonably justifiable in a democratic society. The Committee requested the Government to supply copies of all statutory provisions relating to the establishment of political parties, the functioning and interest of the Recognised Party and the behaviour of its members. Recalling the Government's statement in its 1983 report that it was expecting a reply from the Law Officers Department, and noting that no additional information has been provided on this subject, the Committee hoped that copies of the statutory provisions would soon be supplied.
The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its previous observation which read as follows:
Article 1(a) of the Convention. 1. In comments made for a number of years, the Committee has asked for information on the practical application of sections 24, 32 and 33 of the Public Order Act (concerning public meetings, the publication of false news and seditious offences), including the number of convictions for offences thereunder and particulars of relevant court decisions defining or illustrating the scope of these provisions. The Committee noted from the Government's report received in 1983 that the information requested was being collected. The Committee notes from the Government's most recent report that correspondence has been reopened requesting the Law Officers Department to state whether there had been convictions under sections 24, 32 and 33 of the Public Order Act during the period 1986-87. The Committee hopes that the information requested will soon be supplied. 2. In its previous comments, the Committee noted that articles 15, 16 and 17 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1978, exclude from the protection of the freedoms of conscience and of assembly and association and from the protection against discrimination, anything contained in, or done under, the authority of any law that makes provision which is reasonably required for safeguarding the proper functioning of the Recognised Party, or which imposes restrictions on the establishment of political parties other than the Recognised Party, or regulates the behaviour of members of that Party, except in so far as that provision is shown not to be reasonably justifiable in a democratic society. The Committee requested the Government to supply copies of all statutory provisions relating to the establishment of political parties, the functioning and interest of the Recognised Party and the behaviour of its members. Recalling the Government's statement in its 1983 report that it was expecting a reply from the Law Officers Department, and noting that no additional information has been provided on this subject in the Government's most recent report, the Committee hopes that copies of the statutory provisions will soon be supplied.
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