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24 January 2023
UN reiterates commitment to supporting peaceful, inclusive & credible 2023 elections.
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14 December 2022
UN in Sierra Leone commemorates Human Rights Day with drama, music & statements.
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Speech
13 December 2022
Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone Human Rights Day commemoration- Statement by the UN Resident Coordinator.
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Sierra Leone
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Sierra Leone:
Story
24 January 2023
UN reiterates commitment to supporting peaceful, inclusive & credible 2023 elections.
United Nations Resident Coordinator (RC) Mr Babatunde Ahonsi today reiterated the UN’s commitment to supporting national institutions and the people of Sierra Leone in conducting peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections later in June this year.
In his remarks at the start of a three-day training organized by UNDP and the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) for young political leaders at the Sierra Bay Hotel in Freetown, the RC also stressed the organization’s encouragement for all efforts “aimed at preventing violent conflicts that could revert the country’s gains of peace and democracy.”
He commended PPRC and UNDP for the training and emphasized that young people have a vital role in the present and future of democracy in Sierra Leone.
“Engaging young people in democratic processes and allowing them to participate, safely and constructively, in politics are core aspects of any effort to sustain democracy,” the RC said.
Furthermore, recognizing young people as a positive force in preventing and resolving conflicts and building sustainable peace, according to Mr Ahonsi has gained significant momentum since the UN Security Council resolution 2250 on youth, peace, and security (YPS) on 9 December 2015.
“Young people are described as key agents of change in the 2030 Agenda and crucial actors in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” Mr Ahonsi indicated.
He added that their meaningful inclusion in decision-making processes is also key to the commitment in the 2030 Agenda to “leave no one behind”.
Mr Ahonsi said that the UN has increased its call for all countries to reduce violence and resolve disputes peacefully while promoting social inclusion, addressing the justice needs of people and reducing polarization and distrust.
“We will continue to count on Sierra Leone to develop its own strategy for violence prevention in this crucial period for the country’s democracy to prevent the recurrence of the unprecedented level of violence experienced on 10 August last year,” he stated.
The training facilitated by the Clingendael: Netherlands Institute of International Relations ends on Thursday. It is expected to provide participants with the knowledge to improve their negotiation and consensus-building skills.
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14 December 2022
UN in Sierra Leone commemorates Human Rights Day with drama, music & statements.
With a clear message and hope for increased knowledge of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as a blueprint for taking concrete action to stand up for human rights, UN Resident Coordinator (RC) Babatunde Ahonsi on Monday, used the United Nations in Sierra Leone-organized Human Rights Day observance to emphasize his point with the "Get Up, stand up, stand up for your right" lyrics of the late reggae musician Bob Marley.
Veering from his script, the RC was accompanied in his rendition of the song by the Sierra Leone Correctional Service Band, the University of Sierra Leone Theater Group and the audience composed of Ambassadors, Government of Sierra Leone ministers and other officials, and members of the civil society and the human rights constituency.
“We all must ensure that no one is left behind in this journey," Mr Ahonsi said while stressing that the Human Rights Day commemoration this year has a particular significance for all." It launches activities related to the 75th anniversary of the UDHR, to be celebrated on 10 December next year’’.
He said there were several ways to support the campaign and that this was the time to make concrete the content and language of the UDHR, with the day marking the culmination of the 16-Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Stand up for our rights and those of others is one of the calls of the UDHR, the RC said. "We all have a role to play to realize freedom and equality for all at our own levels, in our communities and beyond," he reiterated.
Furthermore, "to do so, we need to act in our daily lives to uphold our rights and the rights of others to work together for a more sustainable, just and prosperous world," Mr Ahonsi indicated.
He also called for an economy that invests in human rights and works for everyone.
Soulef Guessoum, the Officer in Charge, UN Women Sierra Leone, said that her agency would continue to work with partners and across the UN System to strengthen protection for women and girls, including human rights defenders.
She called for a redoubling of efforts to make the gender equality law recently passed by the Parliament of Sierra Leone effective and properly implemented, "and this will require additional legal reforms and new policies and protections in place."
She reminded the audience that "53% of women in the country experience physical and/or sexual Violence. 30% of young girls are married before reaching the age of 18, and 86 % have been through genital mutilation."
Ambassador Manuel Muller, Head of the European Union Delegation to Sierra Leone, said human rights are at the heart of the EU's internal and external relations and that the Union upholds and advances human rights worldwide.
This year, according to the Ambassador, the EU joined forces with the UN to commemorate the proclamation of the UDHR "and ‘’to reaffirm our commitment to ensure that Human Rights are upheld and respected everywhere."
He encouraged electoral management bodies and political actors to continue to increase dialogue and consultation, seeking common ground and building trust based on full transparency.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International cooperation, Madam Mamadi Ngobeh- Kamara said the principles enshrined in the UDHR are as relevant today as they were in 1948 when they were adopted.
She highlighted steps taken by the Government to fulfil human rights obligations, including efforts to mitigate sexual and gender-based violence with the introduction of the Sexual Offences Court. She mentioned that Sierra Leone also co-facilitated the UN General Assembly resolution "International Cooperation for Access to Justice, Remedies and Assistance for Survivors of Sexual Violence", which calls on all to promote access to justice, remedies and assistance for victims and survivors of sexual violence.
"We believe that tolerance and inclusion are non-negotiable human rights," the Minister reaffirmed.
The University of Sierra Leone Theatre Group also performed a play depicting the theme, 'Dignity, freedom and justice for all."
Earlier in the same day, Mr Ahonsi made a statement during a programme organized by the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone emphasizing on the promise of dignity and equality in rights, which has been under sustained assault in recent years for various reasons including poverty, insecurity, pandemics, and environmental degradation.
“It is equally important that governments and people embrace a shared and comprehensive vision of human rights for a just and sustainable development,” the RC said.
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Story
07 December 2022
150 women detainees receive dignity kits & human rights education.
Amid singing and dancing, and after discussions on human rights in detention, 150 women detained at the Female Correctional Center in Freetown were on Friday, 2nd December 2022, presented with dignity kits composed of adult female underwear, tailor-made loose dress(gown), sanitary pads, under pants for girls, loose gown for girls, lappa, flashlight & flashlight batteries, toothbrush, toothpaste, bathing soap (bar), hand sanitiser, laundry soap, whistle, and slippers donated by the United Nations Population Fund ( UNFPA ).
The joint UNFPA-UN Women supported initiative was undertaken as part of activities organized by the UN in Sierra Leone in the context of the the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Christian MUKOSA, the Senior Human Rights Advisor (SHRA) in Sierra Leone, led the team composed of staff from UN Women, UNFPA, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, and volunteers from Community Initiative for Peace and Children Foundation (CIPCF), a national NGO.
In his presentation, the SHRA emphasised on the right of a person in detention and that being in prison does not mean the end of life. “In prison, you still have your rights to be respected and protected, and this comes with obligations and responsibilities,” Mukosa said and reiterated that human rights are for everyone and that no one should be left behind.
UN Women and UNFPA representatives explained their mandates and work and the significance of the 16-Days of Activism against GBV. The counsellor from CIPCF reflected on trauma and the need for support to all women in prison. This was echoed by the Director of the Female Correctional Center and in the statement of the Deputy Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service.
During the plenary session, some of the detainees explained their understanding of human rights and the 16 Days of Activism and asked clarification questions about their rights in prison. They expressed happiness and requested more outreach activities within their detention facility. Aminata Turay, the Gender Focal Point at the facility said that GBV prevention education is also vital in the Correctional Centre. “All I need is gender empowerment,” she concluded to the applause of other inmates.
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Story
01 December 2022
UN Women-supported Sierra Leone Armed Forces report on measuring opportunities for women in peacekeeping launched.
On Wednesday, UN Resident Coordinator (UN RC) Mr. Babatunde Ahonsi assured the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and development partners that the UN system would continue working on efforts leading to a higher representation of the forces’ women in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Additionally, he promised the support of the UN in the follow-up interventions emerging from the assessment.
Speaking at the official launch of the RSLAF 2022 Report on Results of the Measuring Opportunities for Women in Peace Operations (MOWIP) Assessment and in the wake of the recent enactment of the gender equality and women’s empowerment law, Mr. Ahonsi acknowledged successful efforts to increase the number of women during the last five years.
“Currently, women make up 12% of the armed forces compared to 6% in 2018. The percentage doubled in four years,” the RC said and congratulated the RSLAF leadership for that.
He noted that the increased participation of women in peacekeeping operations has been shown to improve the effectiveness of missions, ensure better access to local communities, particularly women, and enhanced the promotion of human rights and protection of civilians.
According to the RC, the report will “provide an evidence base for future engagements to do things differently to achieve increased women’s participation and representation in all levels of peace operations.”
To address some of the challenges identified in the report, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Lt. General P.K. Lavahun, in his remarks, said that the RSLAF will take bold affirmative actions to address these barriers both as an institution and jointly with support from partners, like UN Women and the Elsie Initiative Fund.
He announced that he had directed the appointment of a female officer to sit as a member at the Ministry of Defence/RSLAF decision-making Committee. Also, he stated, “the appointment of a female officer as a Battalion Second-in-Command to bring more women into senior leadership roles.”
The CDS said this would be on-going based on their fast-tracked capacity building and positioning in the leadership spectrum.
Lt. General Lavahun also said the report holds vital lessons for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and RSLAF in renewing their attention to the barriers and imbalances that hold down the upward mobility of women in their quest for equality and meaningful participation in peace operations.
“The MoD/RSLAF’s Expression of Interest to the Elsie Secretariat Steering Committee was motivated by our commitment to overcome gendered hierarchies and stereotypes and the need to address systemic and structural barriers, with the support of the Elsie Fund,” the CDS disclosed.
The assessment was welcomed by Lt General Lavahun with calls for UN Women, the Elsie Initiative Fund’s Secretariat, and its partners to support the RSLAF to overcome those barriers and chart clear pathways to make progress in the deployment of women to UN Peace Support Operations.
The assessment used four data collection tools: a fact-finding form (FFF), key decision-maker interviews, a focus group with women personnel, and a survey. It examined the Force’s ability to deploy women to and ensure their meaningful participation in UN peacekeeping through ten issue areas. Data collection was from November 2021 to February 2022.
The report revealed the statistics of the current female strength in the RSLAF is 12%, and those on UN peacekeeping are close to 28% within the armed forces.
The ceremony was chaired by Ms. Valnora Edwin, President of Africa Women Leaders Network. She said the report was timely coming in the wake of the GEWE Law enactment and congratulated the RSLAF on the venture. Ms. Edwin also hoped that the barriers identified in the report and the associated recommendations for addressing them would be used by RSLAF leadership to significantly improve women’s representation in UN peace operations and the Forces as a whole.
The report was launched by the Director General of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Mohamed Daboh.
Elsie Initiative Fund for Uniformed Women in Peace operations funded the research.
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Story
30 November 2022
IOM facilitates the safe return of 149 Sierra Leoneans stranded in Niger
Last week, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) assisted 149 Sierra Leonean migrants stranded in Niger to return home safely via charter flight.
IOM worked in close coordination with the Government of Sierra Leone to facilitate this dignified return. Even before the scheduling of the flight, returnees underwent a special online verification exercise by Sierra Leone’s Immigration Department to ascertain their nationalities. Upon arrival, IOM staff registered the returnees and provided cash assistance for their immediate needs, as well as food, water, and onward transportation.
In the coming weeks, they will receive reintegration assistance that will address their economic, social, and psychosocial needs, with several types of support tailored to their needs and interests.
From 2017 to 2022, more than 5,000 Sierra Leoneans stranded along migration routes have been assisted to voluntarily return home. Sierra Leone is among the top five countries in West Africa, with the highest number of returns of stranded migrants in 2022.
“Too many young Sierra Leoneans embark on high-risk journeys through irregular migration. Thanks to the EU and the Government for their support. To be able to cover the needs of vulnerable Sierra Leoneans stranded abroad, collective action is needed now to support their return home and reintegration options,” said Christos Christodoulides, Head of Office a.i. at IOM Sierra Leone.
Joseph, 23, is returning home after 2 years abroad. He shared with us how his journey unfolded. Before attempting the 'back way' to seek new opportunities in Europe, he was completing senior secondary school. Now he wants to make up for the lost time. " Thanks for the opportunity of returning safely. I am glad that I am back and hope to be able to continue my education," he says.
Dave Bangura drew lessons from his challenging journey and is now hopeful for a better future at home. “Irregular migration is not worth it. I suffered a lot in the desert as I attempted to go to Europe. You can make a living here if you have the skills & work hard. During my travels, I have seen people with valuable skills succeed,” said Dave.” If I should travel at all, I will instead use regular channels. But my immediate plans now are to start a business at home,” he added.
The charter flight was made possible thanks to the Special Measure for the European Union-IOM Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration in Africa under the Neighbourhood, Development, and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe (NDICI- Global Europe)
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Press Release
18 November 2022
IFAD’s Executive Board Members to visit Sierra Leone .
Rome/Freetown, 18 November 2022: The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Thursday announced the visit of the delegation of its Executive Board members to Sierra Leone from 19 to 26 November 2022. The Board Members will be accompanied by the Associate Vice President in charge of programme department, the Regional Director for West and Central Africa, the Country Director for Sierra Leone and Liberia of IFAD, as well as other IFAD Senior Staff from HQ.
In line with the procedure approved at its session in December 2012 regarding the Executive Board’s annual country visits, the Board decided to undertake a country visit to the Republic of Sierra Leone in November 2022.
The objective of the visit is to promote strategic partnerships with the government and IFAD on agriculture and rural development. The visit is also a great opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of IFAD’s work in the field, including the challenges and constraints faced by IFAD-supported operations.
In Freetown, the Members of the Executive Board will meet with the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, the Minister of Agriculture, The Minister of Finance, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and other Government officials of Sierra Leone at the central and local level. They will also meet the United Nations Country Team and the Donors in the country.
The delegation will visit IFAD and the Government of Sierra Leone-funded projects in Bo, south of the country, Kenema in the east, and Makeni and Lungi in Port Loko, north of the country. They will see first-hand how programme participants, in particular women and young people, have improved their lives and discuss with them what further challenges they face.
IFAD is the largest and most active donor in Sierra Leone's agricultural sector, and it has supported the government in its fight against the Ebola Outbreak from 2014 to 2016. When many institutions closed or downsized their operations, IFAD-supported community banks and financial services associations known as village banks remained the sole providers of banking and financial services in most areas of the country. More recently, the Rural Poor Stimulus Facility, implemented through the Agricultural Value Chain Development Project, has helped mitigate the negative impacts of Covid-19 on the livelihoods of the small-scale farmers and other rural people across the country.
“IFAD will never let down Sierra Leone,” said Pascaline Barankeba, IFAD Country Director for Sierra Leone. “IFAD is committed to accompany Sierra Leone in its process of recovery and rural development”.
Since 1979, IFAD has partnered with the Government of Sierra Leone to combat hunger and rural poverty. To date, the Fund has invested US$171.25 million in nine projects and programmes in the country benefiting 547,500 rural households.
Media Contacts
1-Emmanuel Sahr Gbakie
Communication & Knowledge Management Officer,
Rural Finance & Community Improvement Programme (RFCIP)
emmanuelsgbakie@ymail.com
Cell: +23376506666
2- Abu Bakarr Conteh
Head- Information, Education, & Communication,
Agricultural Value Chain Development Programme (AVDP)
abubakarr008@gmail.com
Cell: +23276866778
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Press Release
17 October 2022
United Nations thanks Sierra Leone for its contribution to UN peacekeeping.
New York, 19 October 2022- Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix expressed appreciation to Sierra Leone for its strong support to United Nations Peacekeeping and for the service and sacrifice of its military and police personnel deployed under the UN flag.
Sierra Leone’s participation in UN peacekeeping began in the early 1960s when it deployed peacekeepers to the UN Operation in the Congo (ONUC). It rejoined peacekeeping in 2004 by providing police officers to the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).
Today, Sierra Leone provides 67 uniformed personnel, including 43 women, to 9 UN peace operations.
Sierra Leone’s largest deployment is with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) where 28 of its peacekeepers currently serve, 27 of whom are women. It also provides uniformed personnel to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS). Previously, it also participated in UN peace operations in Liberia, Nepal, Timor-Leste, West Africa, and Yemen.
“Sierra Leone is one of a few countries that once hosted UN Peacekeeping operations (1998-2005) and that now proudly deploys its peacekeepers to other countries in need of international support,” said Mr. Lacroix.
Among the peacekeepers Sierra Leone is currently contributing to UN peace operations, nearly two-thirds are women.
“The UN appreciates the service of the Sierra Leonean peacekeepers who work in some of the world’s most fragile political and security environments. We also pay tribute to 41 of their colleagues who have lost their lives while serving the cause of peace under the UN flag. In addition, we thank Sierra Leone for its efforts to increase the number of women within our ranks through the UN’s Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy,” Mr. Lacroix said.
Sierra Leone also endorsed the Secretary-General’s ‘Action for Peacekeeping (A4P)’ initiative, which aims to strengthen peacekeeping through more targeted mandates, stronger and safer operations, better equipped and trained forces, and by mobilizing support for political solutions.
Note to editors:
The UN's Department of Global Communications, in collaboration with the Department of Peace Operations, runs the international multi-year communications campaign titled 'UN Peacekeeping -- Service and Sacrifice.' The campaign expresses the world body's gratitude to the countries that contribute their uniformed men and women to serve in the peacekeeping missions. https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/service-and-sacrifice
Since 1948, more than a million women and men have served as UN peacekeepers. Every day, they make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of the world’s most vulnerable people. Peacekeeping is a unique force with military and police from over 120 countries serving together, alongside civilian personnel. UN peacekeepers come from diverse cultures and speak different languages but share a common purpose: the protection of vulnerable communities and the provision of support to countries struggling to move from conflict to peace. Tragically some make the ultimate sacrifice - over 4100 peacekeepers have lost their lives in the cause of peace. https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/what-is-peacekeeping
Action for Peacekeeping: https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/action-for-peacekeeping-a4p
Media enquiries in Sierra Leone: Office of the Resident Coordinator, Communication and Advocacy Officer:
Osman Sankoh +232 309 68909 sankoh0@un.org Media enquiries at UNHQ:
Department of Global Communications (New York):
Douglas Coffman + 1 917 361 9923
coffmand@un.org Department of Peace Operations Oana Raluca Topala topala@un.org Media enquiries in South Sudan: UNMISS Spokesperson’s Office unmiss-spokesperson@un.org
The UN's Department of Global Communications, in collaboration with the Department of Peace Operations, runs the international multi-year communications campaign titled 'UN Peacekeeping -- Service and Sacrifice.' The campaign expresses the world body's gratitude to the countries that contribute their uniformed men and women to serve in the peacekeeping missions. https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/service-and-sacrifice
Since 1948, more than a million women and men have served as UN peacekeepers. Every day, they make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of the world’s most vulnerable people. Peacekeeping is a unique force with military and police from over 120 countries serving together, alongside civilian personnel. UN peacekeepers come from diverse cultures and speak different languages but share a common purpose: the protection of vulnerable communities and the provision of support to countries struggling to move from conflict to peace. Tragically some make the ultimate sacrifice - over 4100 peacekeepers have lost their lives in the cause of peace. https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/what-is-peacekeeping
Action for Peacekeeping: https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/action-for-peacekeeping-a4p
Media enquiries in Sierra Leone: Office of the Resident Coordinator, Communication and Advocacy Officer:
Osman Sankoh +232 309 68909 sankoh0@un.org Media enquiries at UNHQ:
Department of Global Communications (New York):
Douglas Coffman + 1 917 361 9923
coffmand@un.org Department of Peace Operations Oana Raluca Topala topala@un.org Media enquiries in South Sudan: UNMISS Spokesperson’s Office unmiss-spokesperson@un.org
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Press Release
12 August 2022
SRSG Annadif condemns violence in Sierra Leone, calls calm and dialogue
Dakar, 11 August 2022- The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mahamat Saleh ANNADIF, condemns the violence that occurred yesterday in the capital of Sierra Leone, Freetown, where several civilians and police were killed, and others injured following anti-government protests. He extends sincere condolences to the bereaved families, the government and to the people of Sierra Leone.
The Special Representative continues to follow closely the situation. He calls on Sierra Leoneans to calm down and to avoid any action that could further aggravate the situation. Mr. ANNADIF urges the authorities to take all necessary measures to rapidly ease tensions and put an end to the violence. He urges political and civil society actors to resort to responsible and inclusive dialogue, as well as concertation to resolve their differences.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for West Africa and the Sahel, reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to support the government, the political actors and the people of Sierra Leone in their efforts to safeguard peace and stability.
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COMMUNIQUE DE PRESSE
SRSG ANNADIF Condamne les Violences En Sierra Leone, Appelle Au Calme Et Au Dialogue
Dakar, 11 août 2022 - Le Représentant spécial du Secrétaire Général et Chef du Bureau des Nations Unies pour l'Afrique de l'Ouest et le Sahel (UNOWAS), Mahamat Saleh ANNADIF, condamne les violences survenues hier dans la capitale de Sierra Leone, Freetown, où un nombre de civils et de policiers ont été tués, et d’autres blessés suite à des manifestations anti-gouvernementales. Il présente ses sincères condoléances aux familles des victimes, au gouvernement et au peuple de Sierra Leone.
Le Représentant spécial continue de suivre avec attention l’évolution de la situation. Il appelle les Sierra Léonais au calme, et à éviter tout acte pouvant aggraver davantage la situation. M. ANNADIF exhorte les autorités à prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pour apaiser rapidement les tensions et mettre fin à la violence. Il demande aux acteurs politiques et ceux de la société civile de recourir au dialogue responsable et inclusif, et à la concertation afin de résoudre leurs différends.
Le Représentant spécial du Secrétaire Général des Nations Unies pour l'Afrique de l'Ouest et le Sahel, réitère l'engagement des Nations Unies à accompagner le gouvernement, les acteurs politiques et le peuple de Sierra Leone dans leurs efforts en vue de sauvegarder la paix et la stabilité.
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Bureau de la Communication Stratégique et de l’Information Publique / Strategic Communications and Public Information Office
Kouider Zerrouk, Chef de bureau / SCPIO Chief – (+221) 33 869 85 60 / 77 332 49 28 – zerrouk@un.org
Angelita Mendy Diop, Chargée de communication / Public Information Officer– (+221) 33 869 85 47 / 76 721 78 92 – mendya@un.org
Alpha Ciré Kane, Public Information Assistant / Webmaster – (+221) 869 8585 / 77 528 0985 – alpha.kane@un.org
● www.unowas.unmissions.org ● Facebook.com/UNOWAS ● Twitter.com/UN_UNOWAS
Ngor, route de la plage – PO Box 23 851, Dakar Ponty (Sénégal)
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Press Release
14 June 2022
Joint Human Security Programme Launched by IOM and UNODC.
A Joint Human Security Programme Launched by IOM and UNODC to Enhance Resiliency and Living Conditions Addressing Health and Food Security Challenges in Sierra Leone
Freetown, 10th June 2022- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) launched a project, “Enhanced Resiliency and Living Conditions for Vulnerable Communities Addressing Economic, Health, and Food Security Challenges due to Impacts of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone” with support from the Government of Japan through United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security.
The project comes at a critical time when food insecurity and access to livelihood deteriorated due to rising food prices and fuel shortages as a result of global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As the country relies on imported goods and commodities, including staple foods and fuel, increases in prices have critically impacted every household in the country, especially the most vulnerable, putting many of them into a spiral of further poverty.
In response to these challenges, the project aims to support the strengthening of the capacity of the government and communities to prevent and mitigate public health challenges and provide resources to improve livelihoods, and address obstacles to improved food security for enhanced community resilience.
Furthermore, the project will focus on building community capacity for the prevention of communicable diseases, including COVID-19, through the provision of training and health and hygiene facilities, assisting persons displaced by disasters, and training vulnerable persons for livelihoods. This programme will actively seek to benefit women, youth, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Sierra Leone.
Maximizing the potential of fishing to meet food and nutritional needs by addressing the sector’s vulnerabilities to multiple forms of illegal activities, such as trafficking in marine species, corruption, document fraud, forgery, and human trafficking, is key in the rollout of this project. Efforts will be made, particularly in the fisheries sector, by enhancing the capacity in the sector to meet the food and nutritional needs of vulnerable communities through a strengthened governance and trade environment.
“The interventions are timely and key to ensure that vulnerable communities, including border areas, improve their capacities to mitigate the impacts of crises and have the necessary skills and tools to control COVID-19 and other emerging public health risks whilst also providing Non-Food Items (NFI) to persons in crisis-affected communities,” said Dr. James Bagonza, Head of Office at IOM Sierra Leone.
“Crimes in the fisheries sector are especially detrimental in a country such as Sierra Leone, where fish accounts for more than 40 percent of the total animal protein intake. The enhanced capacities of local authorities to prevent and counter these threats in the fishery sector is paramount to unlock this sector’s potential towards food security”, said Dr. Amado Philip de Andrés, UNODC Regional Representative for West and Central Africa.
For more information or Media Enquiries, please contact Alfred Fornah at IOM Sierra Leone, Email: afornah@iom.int
To learn more about the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS), visit the website: https://www.un.org/humansecurity/
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Press Release
12 June 2022
UN Resident Coordinator Babatunde Ahonsi calls for inter-party dialogue
Freetown, 10 June 2022. The United Nations in Sierra Leone expresses concern over the violent incidents that occurred on 7 June 2022 in Bendugu town, Sambaia Chiefdom, Tonkolili district, ahead of the by-elections for the Member of Parliament of Constituency 056, leading to injuries to people and damage to properties.
The United Nations deeply condemns all forms of violence and calls on all parts of society – including political leaders and party supporters, traditional and religious leaders, national and local institutions, and citizens in general – to commit to a spirit of tolerance and to work together to maintain peace in Sierra Leone.
The United Nations in Sierra Leone calls for a prompt investigation of the incidents so that perpetrators may be brought to justice.
The United Nations in Sierra Leone urges dialogue, including between political parties, to resolve political differences and stands ready to support such dialogue.
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Latest Resources
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Resources
12 September 2022
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