For Sierra Leoneans who think that the United Nations does not care about the worsening human rights situation in Sierra Leone, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association has sent a subtle diplomatic message to the Maada Bio Government that is a clear sign that the UN is seized with events going on in the country.
The message , reminding the Sierra Leone government about its obligation to respect the right to peaceful assembly , whether planned or spontaneous , and to release all those detained in connection with Monday’s protests , is a strong rebuke to the SLPP Government, allbeit couched in intelligent diplomatic language.
It must be recalled that in October 2010, the Human Rights Council adopted resolution 15/21 establishing the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association. The Purpose of the mandate was that the United Nations recognizes the importance of the rights to peaceful assembly and of association to the full enjoyment of civil and political rights, and economic, social and cultural rights. This mandate was created to:
- Gather and share information about global, regional and local trends and issues relating to peaceful assembly and association
- Make recommendations on how to ensure the promotion and protection of these rights
- Report on violations, as well as discrimination, threats or use of violence, harassment, persecution, intimidation or reprisals directed at persons exercising these rights.
This message below is therefore in keeping with the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur.
It remains to be seen whether the SLPP Government will heed the advice in the message or defy it.
*Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association*
In October 2010, the Human Rights Council adopted resolution 15/21 establishing the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association.
Purpose of the mandate
The United Nations recognizes the importance of the rights to peaceful assembly and of association to the full enjoyment of civil and political rights, and economic, social and cultural rights. This mandate was created to:
Gather and share information about global, regional and local trends and issues relating to peaceful assembly and association
Make recommendations on how to ensure the promotion and protection of these rights
Report on violations, as well as discrimination, threats or use of violence, harassment, persecution, intimidation or reprisals directed at persons exercising these rights.
https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-freedom-of-assembly-and-association#:~:text=about%20the%20mandate-,Current%20mandate%20holder,%2C%20Togo%2C%20and%20across%20Africa.
