A/HRC/10/52 page 2 Summary Sierra Leone registered a positive trend in 2008 towards respect for civil and political rights although serious concerns remain in a number of areas. The people of Sierra Leone went to the polls on 5 July 2008 to elect their local representatives. Most election observers agreed that the election had been conducted in a fair and transparent manner and that the results were credible. Isolated incidents of harassment were reported however. Significant improvement was noted in the representation of women, with female candidates increasing their representation by 40 per cent. Political, legal and security institutions in the country continue to make progress towards securing respect for the right to life and security of the person for citizens. The moratorium imposed on the execution of the death penalty remained in full force and effect, notwithstanding the change in Government. With the support of international partners, some progress has been made in promoting and protecting the rights of women and children. A change of attitude by some traditional leaders regarding female genital mutilation (FGM) was noted in the Northern Province where traditional leaders in the Kambia district have committed not to subject girls below the age of 18 to FGM. Gradual progress has also been achieved in securing legal protection of women’s rights. The Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs developed a roll-out plan for the gender justice acts which saw a significant degree of sensitization developed around women’s rights throughout the course of the year. These acts afford greater protection in cases of domestic violence and in relation to inheritance rights. In 2008 there was significant progress in the justice sector. The Government launched a three-year Justice Sector Reform Strategy and Investment Plan 2008-2010 on the basis of the recommendations of a task force constituted by the President to examine the reasons for the delay in the administration of justice and other related matters. Significant progress was also made in the implementation of a number of projects under the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, which has helped to address some of the threats to peace consolidation, e.g. through building capacity within the justice sector, operationalizing the national human rights institution, and establishing a reparations programme. One of the greatest threats to peace consolidation still remains the low level of enjoyment of economic and social rights characterized by the lack of adequate basic social services including safe drinking water, health-care services, and education and housing facilities. Significant progress was achieved in operationalizing the national Human Rights Commission and building its capacity to discharge its statutory functions. However, the catalytic funding provided under the Peacebuilding Fund was scheduled to end in January 2009, and unless additional support is forthcoming from the Government and international partners, there are concerns that the operations of the Commission may be adversely affected. The Anti-Corruption Commission was strengthened by new legislation passed by Parliament in August 2008, and it now has prosecutorial powers and no longer depends on the Ministry of Justice to initiate proceedings. On 10 January 2008, the Constitutional Review Commission established by the Government submitted its report to the President. Thus far, the Government has made no pronouncements as to how it intends to deal with this report.