About Us |
Country Profiles |
Themes |
International |
Home
|
| Home ::: |
| Contact Us ::: |
|
NEWS STORY
By Michele Ernsting March 29, 2008 The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) is concerned and alarmed at reports received of the initiation of a 14 year old girl at Torwama Village Bo even though the mother expressly insisted that her child should not be initiated. HRCSL is informed that the Family Support Unit of the Police in Bo promptly responded to the complaint of the Mother and instituted an immediate investigation into the matter. HRCSL is particularly concerned to note that the Police Station at Dambala Road, Bo was surrounded by a crowd of over 50 persons whose presence was apparently intimidating to investigators, the mother and victim who were in the police station helping police with their investigations. There are also allegations that religious leaders who provided refuge to the victim and her mother are been threatened due to the fact that the mother rejected the initiation rites based on her religious beliefs. The HRCSL is further informed that the Paramount Chief of Tinkonko and the Member of Parliament have publicly denounced this particular act of unauthorized initiation of the 14 year old girl. The HRCSL therefore calls on the Paramount Chief and the authorities to ensure that the Mother and victim can safely return to Torwama village and that they are protected from harassment or attacks by the community. The HRCSL wishes to remind all concerned that a child who is below the age of 18 years cannot in any circumstance consent to being harmed in any manner whatsoever. Furthermore section 33(1) of the Child Rights Act 2007 provides that “no person shall subject a child to ….. any cultural practice which dehumanizes or is injurious to the physical and mental welfare of a child.” The penalty for contravention of section 33(1) is a fine not exceeding thirty million leones or two years imprisonment or both fine and imprisonment. The HRCSL also calls on the Police to continue their investigations and ensure that should they confirm that harm was inflicted on the girl those responsible for inflicting such harm to this child should be prosecuted and face the full penalty of the law. The HRCSL finally reminds the public that Sierra Leone is a country governed by the rule of law and the police are entitled to carry out their duties without interference or molestation. Indeed it is the duty of everyone to assist the police in maintaining law and order. The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) is an independent national human rights institution established by the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone Act (Act No.9 of 2004) and is responsible to protect and promote human rights in Sierra Leone. For further information contact HRCSL at 37 Wellington Street Freetown Sierra Leone.
|
|
| ::: External Links |
|
:: AllAfrica |
| ::: Country Profiles |
|
:: Sierra Leone |
© 1999-
The Children and Armed Conflict Unit