By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL) in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS) has concluded a two-day validation session for the proposed amendments to the Sierra Leone Correctional Service Act.
The exercise was held at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown from the 24th to the 25th of October 2023.
After the two-day event, CARL issued a press statement on the validation read by CARL’s Head of Programme, Jeremy Ben Simbo stating that the session provided an opportunity for additional suggestions, an improvement on existing texts in the law and recommending ways of providing safeguards against abuse of the rights of inmates.
He said they discussed the mode of appointing the leadership of the institution, the relationship between the SLCS Council and the Director-General, ways of expanding the rights of female inmates and the protection of children born or living in correctional facilities.
He noted that the Sierra Leone Government enacted the Act of 2014 to establish the Correctional Service, introduce provisions for the organization and management of correctional centres, and address the needs and welfare of inmates.
CARL’s Head of Programme also stated that after several years of implementation, a number of changes have been proposed for a more effective management system, addressing the welfare of correctional officers, and the protection of the rights of inmates.
He said the final document will be submitted to the leadership of the Law Officers Department for a final review before it is introduced in Parliament.
He pointed out that CARL will continue to support the process and keep citizens informed and engaged. He said that the ongoing review forms part of a collective effort by the Government of Sierra Leone and its partners to ensure an accessible, fair and affordable justice system in Sierra Leone.
The validation retreat was attended by leaders from the justice sector, civil society, the Sierra Leone Police, and the Sierra Leone Parliament, among others.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (27/10/23)
