A/HRC/18/10 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its eleventh session from 2 to 13 May 2011. The review of Sierra Leone was held at the 8th meeting on 5 May 2011. The delegation of Sierra Leone was headed by Franklyn Bai Kargbo, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. At its 12th meeting, held on 9 May 2011, the Working Group adopted the report on Sierra Leone. 2. On 21 June 2010, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Sierra Leone: Maldives, Slovakia and Zambia. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Sierra Leone: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/11/SLE/1); (b) A compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/11/SLE/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/11/SLE/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Belgium, the Czech Republic, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Sierra Leone through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the UPR. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. In his introductory remarks, the head of delegation provided the context in which the national report under the UPR was compiled. The present Government came to power in September 2007 headed by President Koroma. A new rights-based development framework was quickly enunciated by the Government, called an Agenda for Change. The process for reporting under the UPR was launched by the President in 2010 and designated as a priority activity. Extensive consultations were held with civil society, children, women development partners and traditional and religious leaders, with the help of partners. 6. The delegation reminded participants that Sierra Leone had suffered a brutal 11-year war, fought against unarmed civilians. Massacres, murder, forced recruitment of children into the fighting factions and forced marriages marked this war. The war officially ended on 18 January 2002, following which two transitional-justice mechanisms were established. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was tasked with collating a historical record of the conflict and making recommendations to avoid any reoccurrence of conflict. The Special Court for Sierra Leone, which is a hybrid court, was established by the Government and the United Nations. It was tasked with addressing impunity for those bearing the greatest responsibilities in the perpetration of egregious human rights violations during the war. Eight persons were now serving prison sentences in Rwanda. The trial of the former President of Liberia, Charles Taylor, continued. 3