CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that no report has been received from the Government. It must therefore repeat its previous observation on the following matters:

Article 1(a) of the Convention. In its earlier comments the Committee requested the Government to supply information on the evolution of the political situation, in so far as it relates to the application of the Convention. The Committee noted that in July 1996, the Constitutional Reinstatement Provisions Act reinstated the suspended parts of the 1991 Constitution and requested the Government to provide information on the application of provisions concerning the freedom of speech and press, freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

The Committee notes the Government’s indications in the report that, since 1996, the political climate of Sierra Leone has improved with regards to speech and press freedom, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, an independent media commission has been established and more radio stations and newspapers have emerged. The Government also states that the Constitutional Review Committee is still ongoing.

The Committee hopes that the Government will provide, in its next report, information on the application in practice of sections 24, 32 and 33 of the Public Order Act (concerning public meetings, the publication of false news and seditious offences), as well as the information on the activities of the independent media commission referred to in the Government’s report. Please also provide particulars of the outcome of work of the Constitutional Review Committee, to which the Government has been referring since 1995.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.