By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) expresses profound dismay at the Sierra Leone Government’s decision to obstruct their planned peaceful protest which was scheduled for March 25, 2024. It lamented that despite their extensive communication and requests for police security, the Sierra Leone Police regrettably denied them the opportunity to exercise their democratic right.
That decision, announced on March 21st, 2024, according to CHRDI, unequivocally underscored the Government’s intolerant stance towards public dissent and freedom of expression and also exposes a systemic pattern of suppressing lawful protests and undermining the principles of democracy.
CHRDI says it notes with concern the Government’s recent actions, including the unilateral dissolution of the University of Sierra Leone Court and the appointment of an unauthorized Acting Vice-Chancellor, which further erode the rule of law and academic autonomy.
The rights-based organization went on to state that the Constitution of Sierra Leone enshrines the right to freedom of assembly, albeit subject to reasonable restrictions. It furthered that while recognizing the Government’s duty to ensure public safety, they contend that the denial of the protest infringes upon their constitutional rights and contradicts international human rights standards.
The organization underscores how Sierra Leone’s ratification of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights signifies its commitment to uphold fundamental freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly and therefore urges the Government to abide by its international obligations and refrain from arbitrary restrictions on civil liberties.
It lamented that in denying their right to peaceful protest, the Sierra Leone Police have not only violated constitutional rights but also undermined the principles of democracy and accountability saying it remains resolute in defending human rights and will pursue all available avenues to hold the Government accountable for its actions.
CHRDI concluded that the ability to stage a peaceful demonstration is not a privilege but a fundamental right essential for democratic governance and social justice.
It must be noted that the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (CHRDI) is a rights-based social-policy advocacy organization committed to promoting human dignity and accountability. CHRDI holds Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and is accredited to various UN agencies.
