Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) - Sierra Leone (Ratification: 1961)

In its earlier comments the Committee requested the Government to supply indications on the evolution of the political situation, in so far as it relates to the application of the Convention. It noted that the Constitution adopted in 1991 (Act No. 6 of 1991) which provided for the recognition and protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms, had been suspended. The Government informed the Committee in its latest report (1995) that public meetings of a political nature remained banned and that new guidelines for publications had been introduced.

The Committee notes that in July 1996 the Constitutional Reinstatement Provisions Act reinstated the suspended parts of the 1991 Constitution. It further notes the change of government in May 1997 and hopes that the Government will supply information on the developments of the political situation in the country, in so far as the application of the Convention is concerned, and in particular, the information on the application of provisions concerning the freedom of speech and press, freedom of peaceful assembly and association. The Committee also asks the Government to provide, in its next report, the information requested in its previous observation 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). Please also provide particulars of the outcome of work of the Constitutional Review Committee, to which the Government referred in its 1995 report.