By United Nations Sierra Leone
On May 1st, 2020 the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Sierra Leone expressed serious concern over the violent incidents which occurred on the 29th April 2020 in the Central Correctional Facility on Pademba Road in Freetown. The UN Resident Coordinator says as an institution they regret the resultant loss of life, injury and damage to property and further condemn all forms of violence. In that regard, it stated that the institution is extending its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured speedy recovery.
According to the UN Resident Coordinator, the United Nations in Sierra Leone recalls the commitment made by the Government of Sierra Leone, under international conventions and treaties, including the Nelson Mandela Rules to protect and respect the human rights of all persons deprived of their liberty.
The UN calls for prompt and full investigations into the incidents so that the perpetrators of the violence may be brought to justice.
He averred that more than ever, preventing the spread of COVID-19 should be the overarching priority for institutions and individuals alike, which demands consensus and unity of purpose among all sections of Sierra Leonean society.
To that end, the United Nations in Sierra Leone calls on all the political parties, their followers, security agencies and the population at large to promote respect for human rights while eschewing acts of incitement and other actions liable to lead to violence and distract from the all-important fight against COVID-19.
He ended up by stating that the United Nations in Sierra Leone will continue to urge political parties and other stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue and will continue to stand ready to facilitate such a dialogue.
