A/HRC/18/2
recommendations out of 129. It expressed its confidence that, thanks to the identification of
Sierra Leone’s needs in terms of technical assistance and its requests to OHCHR, the
Government would have the capacity to make up for the delay in the presentation of
periodical reports to treaty bodies. Algeria underlined the fact that the use of technical
assistance would also help Sierra Leone to implement its plans for the promotion of human
rights. Algeria welcomed the acceptance of recommendations relating to the fighting
violence against women and to improving the conditions of detention. Algeria called on the
international community to support Sierra Leone in providing it with the technical
assistance it had requested in order to meet its commitments to human rights.
436. Morocco stated that the acceptance of the majority of recommendations, including
the two made by Morocco on the protection of the rights of children and the promotion of
women’s role in the society, was an act of goodwill showing the commitment of Sierra
Leone to the universal periodic review process. It added that the legal and institutional
measures, the good governance and the achievements in several areas of human rights
showed the commitment of the authorities to human rights issues. Moreover, the delegation
of Morocco highlighted the fact that national will and the efforts of a country with a fragile
economy emerging from conflict could not reach the results hoped for in terms of
development and promotion of human rights. Therefore, Morocco called for solidarity for
Sierra Leone.
437. Mauritania congratulated Sierra Leone on its human rights accomplishments in a
difficult socioeconomic context. Sierra Leone’s acceptance of the majority of
recommendations made during the universal periodic review, reflected its willingness and
determination to be open to the promotion and protection of human rights. Mauritania
called on the international community to provide the assistance necessary to enable Sierra
Leone to implement its recommendations.
438. Nigeria commended Sierra Leone for its efforts to promote transparency and the
reintegration of war victims. It recognized the Government’s efforts to consolidate peace
and stability and to harmonize domestic legislation with international human rights
instruments. Nigeria commended Sierra Leone for its institutional reform, including the
establishment of a national human rights commission, an anti-corruption commission and
the Parliamentary Human Rights Committee. Nigeria had noted the steps promised to
eliminate child labour and forced labour, and to mobilize resources for the successful
implementation of national programmes that support economic, social and cultural rights.
Nigeria encouraged the Government to continue and reinforce its programme of
reconciliation and to improve living standards.
3.
General comments made by other relevant stakeholders
439. The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, which had just been accredited
with “A” status, held the view that positive steps would now be taken to use the universal
periodic review process to remedy Sierra Leone’s poor record of reporting under
international human rights instruments. The Commission remained committed to providing
technical support and monitoring the Government’s implementation of its
recommendations, particularly on accession to and ratification of the international
instruments, the signature and ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the passing of the freedom of
information bill, which were critical for human rights and the advancement of women and
children. The Commission looked forward to establishing strategic partnerships to ensure
progress in implementation, to be reported on at the next review, and follow-up visits of
special procedures. The Commission hoped that the development of a plan of action on
human rights and the rights of children would include measures to implement the new
Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. With regard to the 2012 elections, the
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GE.12-17756
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