Cocorioko Exclusive : UN extends UNIPSIL’s Mission in Sierra Leone : Read in full UN Secretary General’s latest Report on Sa. Leone
The United Nations Security Council today held a debate on the Situation in Sierra Leone following the release last week of the Ninth Report on the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone by the UN Secretary General , Mr. Ban Ki-Moon. During the debate, the newly-appointed Executive Representative of the UN Secretary General, Mr. Jens Anders Toyberb-Frandzen ; the Chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission Sierra Leone Country Specific , Ambassador Guillermo E. Rishchynski of Canada and the Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the UN, Ambassador Shekou Touray delivered statements .
Sierra Leone was represented at the Session by H.E. Ambassador Shekou Touray , the Minister Plenipotentiary Mr. Leeroy Wilfred Kabs-Kanu and the Focal Point for the PBC, Counselor Saidu Nallo of the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone to the UN.
UN SECRETARY GENERAL BAN KI-MOON
We bring you the Secretary General’s Report and the UN Resolution taken on Sierra Leone after today’s debate :
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Ninth Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding
Office in Sierra Leone
I. Introduction
1. The present report is submitted pursuant to Security Council resolutions 1886
(2009), 1941 (2010) and 2005 (2011) in which the Council requested me to submit a
report every six months on the activities of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding
Office of Sierra Leone. The report covers the period from 1 March to 31 August 2012.
II. Major developments
2. During the reporting period, the presidential, parliamentary and local council
elections, scheduled for 17 November 2012, continued to be the main focus of political
activities in Sierra Leone. In a spirit of constructive dialogue and national ownership of
the political process, the country’s major stakeholders, including the ten registered
political parties signed a “Declaration on the 2012 Elections” on 18 May 2012,
committing themselves to peaceful, free and fair elections. Preparations for the elections
have also reached a critical final stage with the completion of the biometric voter
registration exercise and the announcement by the National Electoral Commission of
timelines for the key phases of the electoral process, including the nomination of
candidates and the beginning of the campaign period.
A. Political developments
3. The overall political situation in the country was dominated by preparations for the
forthcoming elections, with political parties, particularly the ruling All Peoples
Congress (APC) and the main opposition party, the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP),
intensifying their electoral activities throughout the country. While no incidents of
political violence were reported during the period under review, the relationship
between the ruling party and the major opposition party continued to be characterized
by mutual mistrust and intense rivalry. The Political Parties Registration Commission
has so far authorized ten political parties to contest the elections.
4. On 23 March, the Government released the White Paper on the report of the Shears-
Moses Commission of Inquiry, which investigated incidents of political violence that
occurred in Freetown, Bo and Kenema in March 2009. The Government accepted a
number of recommendations made by the Commission, including the need to encourage
political tolerance in educational institutions and to ensure the application of principles
of impartiality in the country’s security sector agencies. It also agreed with the
Commission’s recommendation that the Independent Media Commission needs to
improve its monitoring procedures. However, the Government has yet to take steps to
comply with the Commission’s recommendation to ban the public officials who were
implicated in the violence from holding office.
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5. The Government has also taken initial steps towards the establishment of an
Independent Police Complaints Committee, as agreed by the ruling party and major
opposition parties in a joint communiqué signed on 2 April 2009. However efforts need
to be accelerated to finalize the development of the terms of reference and draft
legislation governing the complaint mechanism.
6. Following concerns expressed by various stakeholders, including the SLPP, over the
Government’s purchase of heavy weapons for the Sierra Leone Police, on 3 April the
Government transferred these weapons to the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces
(RSLAF) to be used for military operations both domestically and in international peace
operations.
7. During the reporting period, the criminal prosecution of APC and SLPP members,
charged with offenses related to the political violence in Bo and Kono in September
2011, continued. Also, on 21 May 2012, two members of the SLPP were convicted by
the High Court in Freetown for public order offences committed during a local council
election in Freetown in January 2012. They were each sentenced to a five-year jail term
or alternatively to pay a fine of 25 million leones.
8. On 18 May, a national conference focusing on the need for political tolerance and the
peaceful conduct of the November 2012 elections was jointly organized by the Political
Parties Registration Commission and UNIPSIL with the support of the UN
Peacebuilding Fund. The conference was attended by the senior leadership of the ten
registered political parties, as well as by representatives of the Sierra Leone Police, the
National Electoral Commission, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists and the
Guild of Editors, the National Human Rights Commission, paramount chiefs and
traditional authorities, the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation, the National
Commission for Democracy, and women and youth groups. At the conclusion of the
conference, participants adopted a declaration underscoring their willingness to
effectively discharge their responsibilities in the 2012 elections and reaffirmed their
commitment to political tolerance and non-violence. Under the auspices of the Political
Parties Registration Commission, a follow-up mechanism was created to ensure the
implementation of this declaration. Meanwhile the National Commission for
Democracy continues to disseminate the declaration at the regional level.
9. On 23 May, a Security Council mission, co-led by the Permanent Representatives of
the United Kingdom and South Africa, visited Freetown, Sierra Leone. The main
objectives of the mission were to assess the progress achieved by the national
authorities and people of Sierra Leone in the peacebuilding process, as well as become
acquainted with the preparations for the 2012 elections. The delegation met with
President Ernest Bai Koroma, who gave assurances that the 2012 elections would be
held in a free, fair and peaceful environment. The delegation also met with
representatives of various political parties, who pledged their commitment to the
peaceful conduct of the elections. The Council was briefed by the senior leadership of
the security sector agencies, the National Electoral Commission, the Political Parties
Registration Commission and the Independent Media Commission on preparations for
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the elections and on the readiness of the various national institutions to discharge their
responsibilities towards successful elections.
10. The Sierra Leone Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) organized
a meeting on 22 June in New York that was attended by the Chairperson of the National
Electoral Commission, to discuss the status of preparations for the November elections.
Briefings were delivered by my Executive Representative, the Sierra Leone Inspector-
General of the Police, the Political Parties Registration Commission, and other senior
Government officials. The Peacebuilding Commission commended the various actors
on the ongoing technical preparations and on their efforts towards the prevention and
management of election-related violence. It also reiterated its call to national actors,
particularly political parties, to do their utmost to ensure free, fair and peaceful
elections.
Preparations for the 2012 elections
i. Voter registration and other processes
11. The data capture phase for the biometric registration was successfully concluded on
26 March. This was followed by the consolidation of data; de-duplication analysis;
printing of voter cards; production and display of the Provisional Voter Register and the
distribution of voter cards.
12. The Provisional Voter Register was displayed in all 2,998 voter registration and
exhibition centres from 30 June to 16 July. During the period from 30 June to 4 July,
registered voters were able to check their details on the Register and collect their voter
cards. From 19 to 20 July, the National Electoral Commission conducted an inquiry into
cases of objections, rejections and inclusions to the Voter Register. In accordance with
the electoral laws, the Commission included and re-registered approximately 106,000
individuals on the Register. It also made 33,000 corrections to the details of those
already registered. As of 30 July, 2,425,027 of the 2,663,746 provisionally registered
voters had received their voter cards and the Commission has made arrangements for
the distribution of the remaining cards.
13. The National Electoral Commission has also taken steps to address cases of multiple
voter registrations, which resulted in 794 cases being referred to the Police for further
action, of which 70 persons were charged. Criminal prosecutions were also launched by
the Police against minors suspected of attempting to register during the data capture
phase of the biometric registration exercise. Following the arrest of these minors, the
National Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone expressed concern over the Police
handling of these cases and urged the authorities to respect and protect the rights of
children. It also called on all political actors to refrain from manipulating children to
register to vote in the elections for their own political gain.
14. Meanwhile, the NEC continued to engage with political parties, including the SLPP,
particularly through its Political Parties Liaison Committee, in order to increase the
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confidence of key stakeholders in the electoral process. In an effort to ensure
transparency and credibility throughout the electoral process, the NEC allowed political
party representatives to observe both the de-duplication phase of data captured during
voter registration and the NEC administrative inquiry into cases in which objections had
been lodged following the display of the Provisional Voter Register, which identified
cases of fraudulent registration during the de-duplication analysis of data captured in the
registration process.
15. On 30 July, the NEC announced increases in the candidate nomination fees for the
November 2012 elections, which, however, were widely criticized by almost all
political parties. The fees, which will only be confirmed following parliamentary
approval, required presidential candidates to pay 100 million leones, compared to 1
million leones in the 2007 elections; parliamentary aspirants, including ordinary and
paramount chieftaincy candidates, to pay 25 million leones, compared to 100,000 leones
in the 2007 elections; and local council chairs and mayoral candidates to pay 5 million
leones. The NEC justified the increase on a number of grounds, including the high cost
of elections. Nevertheless, civil society organizations objected to the proposed increases
stressing that they were too high and would adversely impact the participation of youth
and the women, as well as persons with disabilities in the electoral process. The
National Human Rights Commission characterized them as disproportionate and
inconsistent with several international human rights instruments to which Sierra Leone
is a party. The SLPP and several political parties alleged that it would only benefit the
ruling party and on 3 August issued a joint communiqué calling on Parliament to reject
the NEC’s proposal and maintain the existing nomination fees.
16. The ruling APC did not sign the communiqué, while the United Democratic
Movement agreed to the communiqué, but limited its objection to the nomination fees
prescribed for parliamentary and local council candidates. In response to these
developments, the Commission further consulted with political parties and issued a
press release on 10 August announcing a reduction in the nomination fees for members
of parliament, including ordinary and paramount chieftaincy candidates from 25 million
to 10 million leones, as well as local councillors’ fees from 2 million to 1 million
leones. However, the fees for presidential candidates remained unchanged. On 13
August, during a meeting with my Executive Representative, the SLPP and five other
political parties reiterated their objections to the revised fees and questioned the
neutrality of the NEC. They cited concerns that the new fees would not create a level
playing field in the upcoming elections and that they would have insufficient time to
raise funds. My Executive Representative encouraged the parties to utilize the
democratic processes and work closely with the Political Parties Registration
Commission in resolving the matter. In the meantime, on 10 August, the NEC released
the timelines for the submission of approved political party candidates.
ii) Dispute resolution mechanisms
17. On 19 July, the Chief Justice of Sierra Leone inaugurated the Electoral Offences
Courts, which is an important dispute resolution mechanism for the elections. There will
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be six such courts; three in Freetown and one in each of the regional headquarter towns
of Makeni, Bo and Kenema. On 3 and 4 August, UNIPSIL and the Government of
Sierra Leone conducted training for judges, prosecutors, police investigators and other
paralegal staff.
iii) Electoral legislation
18. During the reporting period, President Koroma assented to the Public Elections
Law, which consolidates all electoral legislation into a single text. Prior to its passage in
Parliament on 1 May, the SLPP had raised a motion that the draft bill be submitted to a
Parliamentary Committee for further scrutiny. However, this motion was defeated. On
25 May, the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone refused an application made by the SLPP
for an extension of time to serve a notice of appeal against the High Court judgment that
affirmed the results of the 2007 presidential elections.
iv) Election security
19. The implementation of the Integrated Security Sector Strategy for the 2012
elections, which was developed with the support of UNIPSIL, continued during the
reporting period. With assistance from the Elections Basket Fund, 10,500 General Duty
Police and 2,224 Operations Support Division personnel have been trained on electionspecific
issues and public order management by the Police, with technical support
provided by UNIPSIL. Moreover, communication equipment and vehicles for security
of the elections have been procured and mitigation measures have been put in place to
address security threats identified by security sector agencies. In addition, the
Government has committed an estimated $US 4 million to the security sector for the
elections.
v) Election Steering Committee
20. The Election Steering Committee, co-chaired by the Minister of Finance and
Economic Development and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), met
in April and June. During these meetings, the Committee, which is comprised of
electoral management bodies, security sector agencies, the National Election Watch – a
coalition of civil society organizations – and international development partners,
emphasized the need for robust and sustained voter information and education
programmes, as well as careful budgetary planning by the National Electoral
Commission.
vi) Support to civil society and non-state actors
21. Supported by UNIPSIL, through the UN Peacebuilding Fund, the Political Parties
Registration Commission, the National Commission for Democracy, the Independent
Media Commission and civil society organisations have continued to implement
projects aimed at promoting political participation, political tolerance, non-violence and
national cohesion amongst non-state actors. As part of these projects, intra-party retreats
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for APC and PMDC senior party executives were held in April and May on
strengthening democracy and political tolerance. Trainings on conflict resolution were
conducted for the National Council of Paramount Chiefs and the Inter-Religious
Council by civil society. The National Commission for Democracy carried out
sensitization programmes in the country’s 112 parliamentary constituencies conveying
messages of tolerance, and the need for increased female participation in the political
process. In addition, higher education institutions engaged students and politicians on
issues of regionalism and national cohesion. In line with the recommendations of the
Shears-Moses Commission of Inquiry, peace clubs were formed in 20 secondary
schools in Freetown to encourage issue-oriented politics and non-violence, mainly
targeting first-time voters. Ex-combatants also acted as messengers of peace to the
youth in short film sketches produced by UNIPSIL in April. Further engagements with
the youth have continued through peace messages from presidential candidates that are
being given prominence by popular music artists in the country.
B. Security developments
22. The overall security situation remained calm. On 25 July, Parliament ratified the
appointment, by President Koroma, of Major-General Samuel Williams as the Chief of
Defence Staff of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF). He replaced
Major-General Robert Koroma, who retired on medical grounds.
23. The Arms and Ammunition Bill 2012, which was passed during the period under
review, was awaiting the assent of President Koroma. The Bill provides a framework
for the regulation of gun ownership in the country and ensures that Sierra Leone
complies with its commitments under ECOWAS conventions to regulate the use of
small arms. It also makes provisions for the destruction of arms, which will facilitate the
destruction of arms collected under the UNDP Arms for Development Programme that
was completed in 2005.
24. Within the reporting period, the Government appointed coroners to investigate the
circumstances resulting in the death of six persons in separate incidents involving the
use of live ammunition by the Sierra Leone Police. On 16 April, during a strike by
workers in Bumbuna, Tonkolili district, one woman was killed and several others
injured during attempts by the Police to contain the ensuing disturbances. Two youths
were shot dead by the Police in Freetown on 5 June. A bike rider died on 15 June after
an encounter with the Police in the Goderich area of Freetown. Four youths suffered
gunshot wounds in central Freetown on 9 July in the course of Police making arrests. In
order to ensure that these incidents do not create challenges in the management of the
elections, the Police, with support from the United Nations, commenced a review of its
Rules of Engagement in parallel with the development of a strategy on governance
mechanisms in the Force.
C. Economic and social developments and activities of the United Nations Country
Team
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25. The Sierra Leone economy continued to expand, with prospects for 2012 and the
medium-term remaining favourable due to the emergence of new economic
opportunities. Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 6 percent in 2011, partially
due to increased agricultural production, mining and services. Additionally, economic
growth was projected to make a one-time jump to 33 percent in 2012, mainly on
account of increased iron ore production, and will average 6 percent in 2013 to 2015. In
the meantime, consumer price inflation continued to moderate as the Leone stabilized
and food inflation slackened. Inflation has declined from 16.9 percent at end of
December 2011 to 14.1 percent at the end of June 2012. It is likely that this downward
trend will continue in the second half of 2012, with the exception of the anticipated risk
of higher food prices at the peak of the rainy season.
26. Notwithstanding the challenges in fiscal performance in 2011, there was some
improvement in the first half of 2012, during which budget execution was consistent
with the Extended Credit Facility programme. As a result, with the exception of
outstanding commitments, the challenges to fiscal execution in 2012 have been
minimized. Domestic borrowing has also been contained within the programme target
and the Treasury bill rate has stabilized between 23 and 28 percent.
27. The overall current account deficit deteriorated to 50.6 percent of GDP in 2011 due
to large imports of machinery for iron ore projects. It is however projected to improve
significantly to around 15 percent of GDP in 2012 with an increase in iron ore exports.
The external debt position remained at a reassuring debt-to-GDP ratio of 30 percent at
the end of 2011, while gross international reserves are projected to reach US$410
million.
28. The significant expansion of the extractive industries is expected to sustain
increased economic growth and generate significant Government revenue in the
medium to long-term. However, policies need to be developed to help generate
employment opportunities for the growing population. In addition, diversification of
growth sources is necessary, as well as an improvement of the business environment for
the private sector. It will also be important for the Government to put in place a welltargeted
social safety net that supports vulnerable households. Deepening the
democratic process, including through credible elections, would help achieve
sustainable longer-term and inclusive economic growth.
29. On 16 August, the Government of Sierra Leone stated that a presidential taskforce
had been established to deal with the cholera outbreak in the country, which was
gravitating towards an epidemic. So far, as of 19 August, 216 persons died from cholera
and since January 2012, 11,654 cases of cholera had been reported. In the interim,
emergency financial assistance was obtained from OCHA to assist in combating the
outbreak. Also, the Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, WHO, the Red Cross
and civil society continued efforts aimed at cholera surveillance, medical treatment,
water chlorination and provision of safe drinking water. They are also promoting
proper hygienic practices through the local media channels. In addition to supporting
the response efforts of the Government to the cholera outbreak, WHO assisted the
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Ministry of Health and Sanitation in planning, monitoring and implementing
supplementary immunization campaigns for children under five with the objective of
reducing infant mortality and morbidity. WHO also supported the Ministry in carrying
out district and central level performance reviews, as well as in formulating a policy and
strategic plan that focuses on human resource needs in the health sector. In July, the
Minister of Health and Sanitation launched blood transfusion centres that were
renovated and equipped by WHO in Kenema and Bo.
30. Efforts to strengthen the delivery of essential medical supplies have continued under
the Government’s Free Health Care Initiative. Moreover, UNICEF and partners have
supported the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to forecast, purchase and distribute
essential medical supplies. Further progress was made in the area of procurement of
medical supplies due to the passage of a Parliamentary Act, which establishes an
autonomous National Pharmaceutical Procurement Unit. Sierra Leone’s development
partners were supporting efforts to build the capacity of these national institutions.
31. Ensuring access to justice and assistance to victims of conflict is integral to the
peace consolidation process and a precondition for preventing future conflict. In that
regard, on 25 June, the National Commission for Social Action, with assistance from
the UN Peacebuilding Fund and technical support from the International Organization
for Migration, commenced a new round of cash payments to the remaining victims of
the civil war, who have yet to receive any reparations for gross human right violations
suffered during the conflict.
32. Further to the invocation in June 2012 of the “ceased circumstances” clause in the
United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees pertaining to Liberian
refugees in Sierra Leone, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR) commenced arrangements for the voluntary repatriation of 800 Liberians to
their country of origin.
III. Advancing Peacebuilding
33. The Second Joint Progress Report on the implementation of the Government’s
Agenda for Change, which was prepared by the Government of Sierra Leone in
consultation with international partners, was published in August. The report focuses on
the status of implementation, outstanding targets and remaining challenges in the
Agenda for Change. The report will be discussed by the Peacebuilding Commission in
September and will form the basis of the Commission’s engagement with Sierra Leone
over the coming months.
34. Preparations for the Agenda for Prosperity, the successor programme to the Agenda
for Change, have already started. The Government has prepared the outline of the new
programme, which envisages the following eight pillars: (i) Economic diversification to
promote inclusive growth; (ii) Managing mineral resources; (iii) Accelerating progress
in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for human development; (iv)
International competitiveness; (v) Employment and Labour Strategy; (vi) Social
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protection; (vii) Governance and public sector reforms and (viii) Gender. There will
also be a chapter on cross-cutting issues, including Environment and Climate Change,
Financing, Monitoring and Evaluation, the Results Framework and the Poverty Profile.
In addition, the Government has established a technical team to coordinate this process
with UNDP representing the international development partners. The Pillar Working
Groups, with representation from UN agencies and programmes, are also in place to
deliberate on development strategies and policies related to the pillar thematic areas, as
well as the cross-cutting issues. The development strategy and an accompanying policy
document are expected to be completed shortly.
IV. Main risks to peace consolidation
i) Transnational organized crime and illicit trafficking
35. The risk of illicit drug trafficking remains, though there has not been any major
interdiction, since the seizure of a planeload of over 700 kilograms in July 2008.
UNIPSIL, jointly with UNODC, continued to provide support to the Sierra Leone
Transnational Organized Crime Unit in combating illegal drug trafficking, within the
framework of the West Africa Coast Initiative (WACI). During the reporting period,
two vehicles and one patrol boat were donated to the Unit by the UN Office on Drugs
and Crime (UNODC).
36. In the period under review, a large quantity of cannabis sativa in Kambia district,
Northern Province of Sierra Leone, was destroyed by the Transnational Organized
Crime Unit with the support of the Government of Ireland. Meanwhile, discussions
were underway to hasten the release of funds from international partners for the
continuation of the Unit’s operations. Funding is required for the construction of the
Unit’s premises and for the provision of support to the RSLAF Maritime Wing to assist
them in their efforts to reduce illegal activities in the territorial waters of Sierra Leone.
In the meantime, the Unit is currently investigating a case of human trafficking, which
allegedly involved the smuggling of some 50 Sierra Leoneans out of the country,
between April and May, on board a trawler that was apprehended by the Guinean
authorities.
37. In May, UNODC with the support of UNIPSIL undertook an assessment of the
criminal justice system, including prisons, under the framework of the WACI. The main
objectives were to assess the needs of the system and support the Transnational
Organized Crime Unit with the prosecution of criminal cases and in ensuring
international cooperation concerning criminal matters. In this regard, a number of
recommendations were formulated, inter-alia, encouraging Sierra Leone to ratify the
UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, to enact legislation to
criminalize organized crime in line with the Convention, and to improve prison
overcrowding and management.
38. In June, UNODC commenced an assessment of drug demand in Sierra Leone under
its Global project “Treating drug dependence and its health consequences”. The
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assessment is expected to end in August and will enable the adoption of appropriate
actions and interventions on drug prevention, treatment and care, as well as support the
development of rapid national responses. On 26 June, UNIPSIL, in collaboration with
UNODC, commemorated the International Day against drug abuse by advocating for a
halt in drug-related violence, including during the 2012 election.
ii) Youth
39. To address the challenges posed by youth unemployment, as well as to harness the
potential of Sierra Leonean youth, the Government, in addition to establishing the National
Youth Commission, created a new Ministry of Youth, Employment and Sports. In the
meantime, as requested in the Act establishing the Commission, an annual report on the
situation of the youth in the country has been submitted to relevant stakeholders for
validation. The report, which was prepared with technical and financial assistance from
UNDP addresses a range of issues including youth in governance and will form the basis for
policy formulation on youth matters.
40. Other efforts in addressing the challenge of youth unemployment were undertaken in the
reporting period. Five business support centres, managed by the Youth Commission and
financed by UNDP began operations in July 2012, which would provide assistance to at
least 2,000 youth in establishing and growing their businesses. Simultaneously, the Graduate
Internship Programme was launched in the period under review and will help 150 youth
bolster their employment credentials through the acquisition of valuable and monitored work
experience in selected institutions. In the meantime, UNDP continued the financing of
Career Advisory and Placement Centres that provide job search assistance and soft skills
training to at least 5,000 youth per year. Three additional centres will open by the end of
2012.
iii) Corruption
41. In the reporting period, the Anti-Corruption Commission continued its threepronged
approach to combating corruption based on prevention, investigation and
prosecution. Through its outreach activities, the Commission noted that weak service
delivery of Government departments, ministries and agencies has contributed to corrupt
practices. On 7 August, the Commission reported that 552 billion leones was recovered
from corrupt individuals and corporate entities in the first six months of this year.
Regarding prosecutions by the Commission, as of 26 July, 17 cases had been submitted
to the High Court and eight to the Court of Appeal. On 10 August, a High Court in
Freetown convicted the Mayor of Freetown, from the ruling party, for corruption and a
breach of procurement regulations. The Mayor was sentenced to three year prison
sentence or in the alternative a fine of 170 million leones. During the first session of the
Implementation Review Group, convened under the United Nations Convention Against
Corruption, Sierra Leone was selected to be reviewed for compliance with the
Convention.
V. Support to Democratic Institutions
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A. National Electoral Commission
42. The National Electoral Commission (NEC) continued to play a lead role in the
preparation and management of the forthcoming elections in Sierra Leone. The
Commission also continued to receive technical and financial support from the UNDPmanaged
Elections Basket Fund, which enabled the establishment of a Central Data
Centre in Freetown. In addition, regional results and tallying centres will be established
in Makeni, Bo, Kenema and Freetown in October. Finally, capacity-development of
staff was also undertaken, including through a BRIDGE training programme on
Election Security.
B. Political Parties Registration Commission
43. The former Chair of the Political Parties Registration Commission Mr. Justice
Samuel Ademusu, passed away in April 2012, and Mr. Justice Tolla Thompson, was
appointed by President Koroma as his replacement. The appointment was approved by
Parliament on 9 August. The Commission continued, with the support of UNIPSIL, , to
discharge its mandate of promoting inter-party dialogue, including through the
implementation of the Declaration on the 2012 elections signed on 18 May by Sierra
Leone’s major elections stakeholders. The Commission also continued to implement
programmes supporting the activities of the All Political Parties Youth and Women
Associations and the efforts of the District Code of Conduct Monitoring Committees in
promoting conflict resolution as well as political tolerance and non-violence. During the
period under review, the Commission mediated disputes between political parties and
monitored the conduct of the voter registration process. Parliament is yet to approve a
draft bill granting authority to the Commission to penalize political parties for any
infraction of the Political Parties Code of Conduct.
C. Independent Media Commission
44. The Sierra Leone media should play an indispensable role in contributing to
peaceful elections through accurate and balanced reporting that avoids exploiting ethnic
or other divisions in the country. While concerns remain in regulating the conduct of
the media, the Independent Media Commission (IMC) issued, in July, a Media Code of
Practice, as part of the authority granted to it under the Independent Media Commission
Act of 2000. The new Code of Practice was validated by the Sierra Leone Association
of Journalists, as well as several other media organizations, who signed the Code as a
demonstration of their commitment. Additional, media monitoring mechanisms include
through the procurement of electronic media software to assist in tracking radio stations
and the issuance of the IMC Media Watch. The Commission continued to examine
ways of ensuring political neutrality by media practitioners. In the same vein, the Guild
of Editors was enhancing professional standards through a peer review of some Sierra
Leone Broadcasting Corporation radio programmes.
D. The Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation
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45. The Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation is also expected to play a vital role in
advancing political pluralism by ensuring that it provides equitable access to all political
parties, particularly during the forthcoming elections. In the reporting period, with
financial support from the UN Peacebuilding Fund and with technical advice provided
by UNIPSIL, the Corporation issued a draft Elections Guideline that was formally
adopted on 9 August by political parties. The Corporation has also expressed its
commitment to establishing an Elections Unit.
46. UNDP and UNIPSIL engaged the Corporation on the implementation of the
recommendations made by the Presidential Taskforce, as well as on external audits that
focused on improving the administration of the Corporation. During the reporting
period, there was an improvement in the revenue collection and financial management
of the Corporation, as well as in the news production and management. The Corporation
has also reactivated its regional stations. Nevertheless, there are challenges in the
formulation and implementation of a well-articulated business strategy that guarantees
steady revenue to the Corporation and thus secures its independence. The United
Nations continued to assist it in this area and in promoting its adherence to media best
practices in the sub-region as part of a South-South approach.
E. Parliament
47. With assistance from international development partners, including the United
Nations, progress has been made towards improving the capacity of Parliament through
support to the Parliamentary Assistance Coordination Office. Additionally, the Hansard
Section has provided transcription and docking equipment to enable documentation of
parliamentary proceedings, while consultants and trainers have been recruited to train
staff of the various departments at the Parliamentary Service. This includes a dedicated
Technical Advisor to Parliament for capacity building and resource mobilization.
Parliament has assessed its strategic plan for 2009 to 2013, and has presented a draft
outline programme of support to potential donors. In the reporting period, Parliament
approved the Public Elections Act .
F. Decentralization
48. On 6 June, the European Union announced that it would co-finance with the World
Bank the second phase of the Decentralized Service Delivery Programme estimated at
US$32 million. The programme, which will continue until December 2015, aims to
strengthen the capacity of the central and local government to manage decentralized
services and improve the availability of central government funding to the councils. On
10 July, Vice-President Samuel Sam Sumana launched the Local Economic
Development programme, which is part of the Government’s decentralization policy. Its
objective is to assist the economic development of local governments through
partnerships with the private sector, as well with civil society and community-based
organizations.
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VI. Human Rights and Rule of Law
A. National Human Rights Commission
49. The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) began public hearings in
July into the incidents in Bumbuna, Tonkolili district, where one person was killed by
the Police in April during a strike by workers of the African Minerals company. The
Commission will determine if any human rights violations occurred including the use of
excessive force by the Police. The hearings are the second exercise of the Commission’s
quasi-judicial capacity. The first HRCSL public hearing took place in 2011 and
considered the case of ex-RSLAF personnel who challenged their discharge on the
grounds of mental imbalance, which had resulted in a reduction in their separation
entitlements. The HRCSL found in their favour and ordered the Government to pay
their full benefits.
50. From 30 to 31 May, the Human Rights Commission held a National Consultative
Conference on Human Rights and Elections, with the theme “Making Human Rights
real in the 2012 elections”. Over 200 participants and key stakeholders, including
political parties, attended the conference. The conference concluded with the adoption
of a resolution highlighting freedoms of opinion, expression, assembly, association and
movement, and other human rights. On 24 July, Parliament ratified the appointment of
three HRCSL commissioners nominated by President Koroma to replace three former
Commissioners whose tenure had expired in December 2011. Vacancies for the position
were advertised in the national media and civil society representatives had an
opportunity to provide input to the selection process.
B. Rights of persons with disabilities
51. Sierra Leone has taken important steps towards ensuring the rights of persons with
disabilities by ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
(CRPD) in 2010 and enacting the Disability Act in 2011, which was followed by the
development of a road map for the creation of a National Commission on Persons with
Disabilities in 2012. Additionally, on 15 June, President Koroma appointed the
Chairman of the Commission based on nominations provided by all Ministries and
organisations dealing with disabled persons.
52. On 7 June, the Freedom of Information Bill, which was one of the recommendations
made during the 2011 Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, was submitted to
Parliament by the Minister of Information and Communications. The Bill aims to
promote transparency, accountability and good governance. However, some
parliamentarians have raised concerns about the absence of appropriate structures
needed for the Bill’s implementation.
C. International treaty reporting
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53. The Government of Sierra Leone, with the support of UNIPSIL, submitted its first
report on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Additionally, the
draft reports on the country’s compliance with the Convention against Torture and the
African Charter are under review by the Attorney General.
D. Technical Cooperation and Capacity Building
54. Pursuant to the Mission’s mandate to build national capacity for the protection and
promotion of human rights, several activities were undertaken in the reporting period,
including supporting the Government in the implementation of the recommendations of
the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Universal Periodic Review process.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), with the support of
the UN Peacebuilding Fund, continued providing assistance to the Human Rights
Commission of Sierra Leone.
55. UNIPSIL supported the third National Consultative Conference of District Human
Rights Committees in Kenema, which covered election monitoring. It also supported
radio broadcasts to raise awareness of the rights of disabled persons in the northern and
eastern regions of the country. Additionally, it conducted several human rights training
programmes for prison and police officers, as well as civil society organizations and
traditional leaders, on the administration of justice and rule of law; economic, social and
cultural rights; political participation by persons with disabilities; and sexual and gender
based violence.
VII. Gender issues
56. During the reporting period, the United Nations continued its collaboration with the
Government and other stakeholders on women’s empowerment and the achievement of
the 30 percent quota for women. The efforts of the United Nations were also focused on
the implementation of the National Gender Strategic Plan, as well as on the Sierra
Leone National Action Plan that are based on UN Security Council resolutions 1325
and 1820. To that end, assistance was provided for the establishment of a technical
committee of the “M30 Task Force”, a coalition of civil society organizations, to ensure
strategic support for the draft Gender Equality Bill. The Bill has undergone a critical
review by the Committee and is expected to be submitted shortly for printing, prior to
the commencement of the pre-legislative process. The United Nations has also provided
support to the sensitization and advocacy initiatives of civil society organizations and
parliamentary groups on the proposed Bill.
57. Working with the All Political Parties Women’s Association, the Council of Women
Councillors and other groups, the United Nations has supported the profiling of female
aspirants with the objective of identifying and building the capacity of female
candidates who may be awarded symbols in the elections. The All Political Parties
Women’s Association, which is also a forum for conflict resolution and mitigation,
conducted its national delegate convention from 15 to 17 July. During the reporting
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period, the United Nations and partners conducted two training programmes on media
coverage for female candidates, which were attended by over seventy participants.
VIII. Special Court for Sierra Leone
58. On 26 April, the Special Court for Sierra Leone sitting at The Hague convicted the
former President of Liberia, Mr. Charles Taylor, for crimes against humanity and
violations of international humanitarian law committed in Sierra Leone from 30
November 1996 to 18 January 2002. The judgment was welcomed in Sierra Leone, with
the court proceedings transmitted via video link to Freetown and broadcast on local
radio stations to enable the victims and the public to follow the trial. At a hearing on 30
May, Mr. Taylor was sentenced to 50 years. However, on 18 June, the Defence
indicated that they would appeal the judgment. As a result, a revised Special Court of
Sierra Leone Completion Strategy was issued projecting a delivery of an appeals
judgment in the Taylor case in September 2013. Meanwhile, the Court is hearing three
contempt of court cases arising from attempts at interfering with witnesses in the Taylor
trial. On 15 June, a guilty verdict was delivered in one of the cases, while the other two
cases remain pending.
IX. Regional Cooperation
59. In the reporting period, Sierra Leone continued to maintain good relationships with
its neighbours, including through the Mano River Union (MRU), as well as the
Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS), with President Koroma
attending meetings of both organizations.
60. Concerning the Yenga border issue between Guinea and Sierra Leone, President
Koroma and President Alpha Condé of Guinea reaffirmed, at a meeting in June, their
intention to resolve the matter peacefully. In a joint declaration signed by the two
Governments in Freetown on 27 July, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to
demilitarize the Yenga border area and to ensure that their respective armed forces
implemented the joint declaration. On 16 August, the Government announced that a
demilitarization of Yenga had taken place and reiterated its strong support for the Joint
Technical Committee established by both countries to ensure a final resolution of the
dispute.
61. Further to these developments, and with the assistance from the UN Peacebuilding
Fund, UNIPSIL and the MRU Secretariat have commenced discussions on possible
projects and activities to be undertaken in the border areas of Guinea, Sierra Leone and
Liberia. The main objective of the projects will be to strengthen linkages and peaceful
co-existence among communities in the border areas and address common cross-border
challenges. A conference of the electoral management bodies of the four MRU member
states, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone is scheduled to take place in
Freetown in mid-September, to exchange experience and best practices on the
management of elections.
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X. Observations and Recommendations
62. Sierra Leone has continued to make significant progress in consolidating its hardwon
peace, and building democratic foundations. Nonetheless, a number of challenges
remain and concerted efforts need to continue to tackle issues also identified by the
country’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. These include: addressing
unemployment, in particular among the youth; consolidating and strengthening the
country’s democratic institutions; promoting national reconciliation and national
cohesion and a culture of political tolerance among the country’s political actors;
managing the exploitation of the nation’s natural resources, including the newly found
vast mineral riches, for the benefit of the country and its people; as well as combatting
corruption. In addition, addressing the threats posed by transnational organized crime,
such as illicit drugs trafficking and others would remain an important priority for the
country. As the focus shifts towards the elections, continuing attention also needs to be
given to a peaceful post-election period, as well as tackling effectively the root causes
of the conflict, which if left unaddressed, will have a potential to reverse the important
gains the country has made in the last decade.
63. Progress in the exploitation of the country’s mineral resources, including potentially
viable oil reserves, and its proper management would help to improve the
Government’s finances and enable it to sustain a requisite level of economic growth for
addressing its socio-economic challenges. However, in the short to medium term, the
assistance of Sierra Leone’s international partners will continue to be required to
address the remaining key challenges, as the country transitions from a post-conflict
phase to a development stage. In particular, resources will be required from
international partners for the full implementation of the Government’s planned Agenda
for Prosperity, as well as other major national economic programmes. The work of the
Anti-Corruption Commission in combating the corruption will also continue to be
crucial in promoting the confidence of the citizenry in governance.
64. The main political development in the coming months will be the November 2012
presidential, parliamentary and local council elections. The elections, the third since the
end of the conflict, will be an important determinant of how much progress has been
made in consolidating peace in the country. Of utmost importance is the need to ensure
that the elections are conducted peacefully without recourse to political violence. I
commend Sierra Leone’s stakeholders, including the country’s political parties for the
commitments they have made in signing the 18 May 2012 Declaration, and call upon
them to adhere to those commitments as they enter the crucial phases of the electoral
process.
65. I welcome the release by the Government of the White Paper on the Shears Moses
Commission of Inquiry and have taken note of the on-going prosecution of political
party supporters implicated in acts of political violence, which will assist in deterring
such activities. I encourage the Government to continue to expedite efforts aimed at
establishing the Independent Police Complaints Committee and at implementing other
recommendations of the White Paper on the Shears Moses Commission of Inquiry. I
17
reiterate my call for political parties to take national ownership of the political process
and to set aside their differences in the larger national interest to ensure that the
elections are peacefully conducted.
66. The success of these elections and the country’s continued progress towards
achieving the aspirations of its people can only be realized if all Sierra Leoneans work
together, respecting the rule of law and the country’s Constitution in a peaceful political
process. The performance of Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions in discharging their
respective duties will give the elections credibility and legitimacy. I encourage Sierra
Leone’s security agencies that have the primary responsibility to maintain law and order
during the elections, to exercise their responsibilities in a professional and impartial
manner.
67. In the same vein, other national stakeholders, including political parties, civil
society and, indeed, individual citizens have the duty to act within the limits of the law,
and work with law enforcement agencies to create a peaceful environment for the
elections. The Political Parties Registration Commission has a key responsibility in
furthering dialogue with the political parties. In this context, I urge the Commission to
work towards securing the full adherence of all political parties to the 18 May 2012
Declaration. I also call on Parliament to enact the Political Parties Registration
Commission’s reform legislation, which includes giving the Code of Conduct the
necessary legal authority and thus improves the Commission’s oversight responsibilities
of political parties.
68. I welcome the on-going arrangements for the elections and encourage the National
Electoral Commission to continue to engage in constructive dialogue with national
stakeholders, particularly through the Political Parties Liaison Committee, as a forum
for consultations and the exchange of vital information on the electoral process.
69. Sierra Leone’s media should play a constructive role in ensuring the success of the
elections, through dissemination of accurate information, educating the public and
promoting dialogue. The media should refrain from spreading messages of hate,
division and national discord. I urge the Independent Media Commission to play a more
proactive role in discharging its regulatory functions by enforcing its Code of Media
Practice. I also call on Sierra Leone’s media and professional associations, in particular
the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists and the Guild of Editors, to cooperate with
the Independent Media Commission in the discharge of its responsibilities.
70. Enhancing the participation of women in the political process in the 2012 elections
is a key objective, which the United Nations fully supports. In this regard, I welcome
the increased commitment of the Government of Sierra Leone in promoting gender
equality and the proactive role played by various stakeholders, including political
parties and civil society groups in ensuring the implementation of Security Council
resolution 1325 (2000).
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71. The international community has been instrumental in bringing and consolidating
peace in Sierra Leone. I therefore urge international partners to remain seized with the
peacebuilding process in the country, particularly in the run up to the November
elections. The Peacebuilding Commission has a critical role to play at this stage. I wish
to express my appreciation to the Sierra Leone Configuration of the Peacebuilding
Commission, through its Chair, Ambassador Guillermo E. Rishchynski, for its strong
support in furthering the consolidation of peace and for its critical engagement with
national and international stakeholders in connection with the 2012 elections.
72. In view of the importance of the forthcoming elections and the need to assist the
Government and key stakeholders in the electoral process, while taking into account
critical post elections tasks, including providing support for the resolution of any post
electoral concerns, facilitating the smooth transition of any newly elected Government
and supporting efforts aimed at building national cohesion and reconciliation, as well as
enabling the preparation of a transition plan and an exit strategy for UNIPSIL, I
recommend a renewal of the mission’s mandate for a further eight to nine months,
during which period, I intend to dispatch an United Nations inter-agency Technical
Assessment Mission to Sierra Leone to conduct a review and advise in this regard.
73. I wish to thank President Koroma and his Government for the continued cooperation
with the United Nations. I am also grateful to Sierra Leone’s international development
partners for their generous support to the country’s peacebuilding process. Finally I
thank my Executive Representative, Mr. Jens Toyberg-Frandzen and the staff of
UNIPSIL, the UN agencies and programmes as well as other international partners for
their continued collaboration with UNIPSIL in the discharge of its mandate.
_______________________________________________________________________
THE RESOLUTION PAGE
The Security Council,
a. Recalling its previous resolutions and the statements of its President concerning the situation in Sierra Leone, in particular resolution 2005 (2011) and Presidential Statement 11 (2012),
b. Welcoming the ninth report of the Secretary-General dated 4 September 2012 (S/2012/679) and taking note of its recommendations,
c. Welcoming the steady progress achieved by the Government and people of Sierra Leone towards achieving peace and stability and in laying the ground for Sierra Leone’s long-term development,
d. Welcoming the efforts made in preparation for the presidential, parliamentary and local elections on 17 November 2012, in particular, signing of the ‘Declaration on the 2012 elections’ by Sierra Leone’s major stakeholders, successful conduct of the voter registration, efforts to improve police mobility and effectiveness, inauguration of the Electoral Offences Courts, adoption of the Public Elections Law, and efforts to promote political participation and tolerance among the civil society,
e. Underlining the importance of these elections and the wide acceptance of the results as a key benchmark for consolidation of peace in Sierra Leone, further underlining the need for all national and international stakeholders to continue efforts to foster an environment that is conducive to the holding of inclusive, peaceful and credible elections, and emphasising the need for national authorities to remain committed to inclusive political dialogue and to providing a conducive security environment for the elections, and further emphasising the positive role that the media can play through accurate and balanced reporting,
f. Welcoming the important role played by UNIPSIL, the UN Country Team, bilateral and international partners in supporting Sierra Leone to prepare for the elections, noting in particular efforts to improve the capacity and effectiveness of the national democratic, electoral and security institutions, promote inclusive political dialogue between the national stakeholders, promote a culture of non-violence and enhance the participation of women in the electoral process, and emphasising the need for Sierra Leone’s partners to continue providing technical, financial and political support to the electoral process, including through the provision of electoral observers,
g. Welcoming the steady progress the Government has made in implementing the Agenda for Change, in particular steps taken to sustain macro-economic stability, promote gender equality, improve youth engagement, improve access to justice and human rights and strengthen the Government’s management of the extractive industries, and commending the valuable contribution of UNIPSIL, the UN Country Team and the international community to the peacebuilding and development priorities in Sierra Leone, and in particular through the integrated UN Joint Vision and the Transitional Joint Vision,
h. Recognizing the continuing challenges posed by corruption, drug trafficking and money laundering, welcoming the progress made by the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Transnational Organised Crime Unit (TOCU), under the West Africa Coast Initiative (WACI), and emphasising the need for continued national and international support to the TOCU in order to ensure its sustainability,
i. Commending the Government for recognizing the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and in peacebuilding, and its efforts to implement the Security Council Resolutions on Women, Peace and Security and on sexual and gender-based violence, and welcoming the launch of a National Gender Strategic Plan, the establishment of the National Committee on Gender-Based Violence and the adoption of the Sexual Offences Act,
j. Welcoming current efforts to develop Sierra Leone’s Agenda for Prosperity, including through the conduct of a fragility assessment under the New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States, emphasising the need to retain the peace, security and development nexus in future planning to ensure that progress achieved thus far is sustained, and further emphasising the importance of continued integrated support of the United Nations system, bilateral and international partners to the Agenda for Prosperity, in order to ensure that international support is delivered in a coordinated and effective manner,
k. Reiterating its appreciation for the work of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, welcoming the verdict in the trial of Charles Taylor and taking note of the proposed appeals, calling upon Member States to contribute generously to the Court and to the implementation of the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone Agreement,
l. Recalling that the responsibility for controlling the circulation of small arms and light weapons within the territory of Sierra Leone and between Sierra Leone and neighbouring States rests with the relevant governmental authorities in accordance with the Economic Community of West African States Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons of 2006, taking note of the adoption of the Arms and Ammunitions Bill and reiterating the need for further progress on the implementation of the national action plan on Small Arms,
m. Welcoming the role played by the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, the Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund in support of Sierra Leone’s peacebuilding and development goals, and encouraging the Member States of the Mano River Union and other regional organizations to continue their dialogue aimed at consolidating regional peace and security,
1. Decides that the mandate of UNIPSIL, as set out in resolution 2005 (2011), shall be extended until 31 March 2013;
2. Calls upon the Government of Sierra Leone, all political parties and their supporters, as well as the Sierra Leonean people, including the media, to continue to foster an environment that is conducive to the holding of peaceful, inclusive and credible elections, including through open, genuine and inclusive dialogue to address possible differences, and to respect the outcome of the elections;
3. Calls upon the Government of Sierra Leone to ensure that its security agencies, in particular the Sierra Leone Police, respond in an impartial, proportionate and effective way to security threats during and after the elections, and remain committed to upholding human rights and applicable international law; and urges the Government to accelerate efforts to establish the Independent Police Complaints Commission and to address the recommendations of the Shears-Moses Inquiry report;
4. Calls upon all political parties to promote a culture of non-violence, including by ensuring full implementation of the provisions of the 2 April 2009 Joint Communiqué, ensure their supporters adhere to the political parties code of conduct, honour the agreement reached in the 18 May 2012 ‘Declaration on the 2012 elections’, refrain from manipulating children to register to vote and continuing to engage in dialogue through the Political Parties Registration Commission and other relevant fora;
5. Calls upon Sierra Leone’s electoral institutions, in particular the National Electoral Commission and the Political Parties Registration Commission to ensure that the preparations and conduct of the elections proceed in a peaceful, inclusive and credible manner, strengthen voter information and education, promote dialogue to resolve conflicts as well as political tolerance and non-violence; and urges the Independent Media Commission to ensure compliance with the Media Code of Practice and to promote professional, independent, and factual coverage by media practitioners;
6. Requests UNIPSIL, in conjunction with the UN Country Team and the international community, to continue providing assistance to the Government and its electoral, democratic and security institutions, as requested, in the preparation and conduct of the elections and to continue providing advice and assistance to all relevant stakeholders, including civil society and the media, in order to ensure that they are able to make a positive contribution to the electoral process; further requests UNIPSIL to provide assistance to conflict prevention and mitigation efforts, including through promoting the role of women in conflict prevention and supporting genuine and inclusive dialogue among political parties, the Government and all relevant stakeholders; finally requests the Secretary-General to provide a briefing to the Council on the conduct and outcome of the elections shortly after their completion;
7. Emphasizes that the Government of Sierra Leone bears the primary responsibility for peacebuilding and long-term development in the country, and urges the national authorities to continue implementation of the Agenda for Change,
8. Urges the Government to continue its efforts to hold regular, inclusive and genuine dialogue with all relevant national and international stakeholders on Sierra Leone’s peacebuilding and development goals; and further urges the Government to ensure that the forthcoming Agenda for Prosperity continues to build on progress achieved in strengthening the political, security, justice and human rights institutions in the country, including through implementation of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Sierra Leone’s Universal Periodic Review;
9. Calls upon the Government of Sierra Leone to continue its efforts to combat corruption, including by strengthening support for the Anti-Corruption Commission, improve the management of the extractive industries, strengthen the Transnational Organized Crime Unit, including by addressing concerns about its sustainability, and enhance coordination in the fight against drug trafficking with regional countries through the WACI;
10. Encourages the Government of Sierra Leone to continue implementing the National Gender Strategic Plan; and further encourages the Government to continue efforts to improve youth employment and empowerment and reduce socio-economic inequalities;
11. Requests UNIPSIL, in conjunction with the United Nations Country Team, and bilateral and international partners, to continue providing integrated support to Sierra Leone to meet its peacebuilding and development priorities, as outlined in the Agenda for Change, including through strengthening capacity building of national political, security, human rights and rule of law institutions, promoting good governance and accountability, promoting gender and social equality, strengthening human rights protection, supporting efforts to improve youth empowerment and strengthening efforts to tackle drug trafficking, organised crime and money-laundering;
12. Requests UNIPSIL, in conjunction with the United Nations Country Team, bilateral and international partners, to continue engaging constructively with the Sierra Leone national authorities in the formulation of the Agenda for Prosperity and in coordinating an integrated international response to it, in order to ensure that the efforts by the United Nations, bilateral and international partners on the ground continue to be coherent and effectively coordinated;
13. Encourages the Peacebuilding Commission to continue providing support to the Government of Sierra Leone, UNIPSIL and the UN Country Team in the preparation and conduct of the 2012 elections, to advocate for the continued implementation of the Agenda for Change until it expires, the balanced development of the Agenda for Prosperity and the strengthening of mechanisms aimed at ensuring the timeliness and predictability of national and international funding for peacebuilding and development priorities, including through promoting increased south-south cooperation; and requests the Peacebuilding Commission to keep the Council regularly updated on progress made and to review its engagement with Sierra Leone following the successful completion of the elections and in line with the drawdown of UNIPSIL;
14. Requests UNIPSIL, in collaboration with the UN Country Team, the Government of Sierra Leone and bilateral and international partners to continue preparations for the transition of UNIPSIL, and in this regard requests the Secretary General to deploy an inter-agency technical assessment mission to Sierra Leone to conduct a review of progress made in the implementation of UNIPSIL’s mandate and to provide a report, for the consideration of the Council, containing detailed proposals and a recommended timeline for the transition, drawdown and exit strategy of UNIPSIL by no later than 15 February 2013.
15. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.
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