large_Sierra Leone.png

medium_Sierra Leone.png

small_Sierra Leone.png

thumbnail_Sierra Leone.png

Sierra Leone.png

Fixed Broadband Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in 2017

Sierra Leone needs to stop arbitrary arrests and detention of journalists, media workers and critics simply for exercising their right to freedom of expression online or offline.

Sierra Leone is located in West Africa with a population of 8 million. Its government is a presidential republic.

The Sierra Leone Constitution Act No. 6 of 1991 guarantees the protection of freedom of expression and the press. The country is making progress in addressing issues of freedom of expression. However, Journalists and activists face arbitrary arrests and detentions for criticising and questioning authorities online and offline.
The Independent Media Commission (IMC) Act 2020 empowers the IMC to shut down media houses on ambiguous grounds of “public interest”. This raises new concerns around censorship. In July 2019, the IMC issued an ultimatum to suspend 12 media houses for non-payment of fines.

Sierra Leone

We conduct advocacy during the pre-session through direct lobbying to UN member state representatives and support local advocacy events and workshops that amplify the UPR. During the reviews, we amplify the UPR process and the recommendations our partners have drafted through live- monitoring by our local partners and on social media. We then conduct advocacy during the post- UPR period with activities such as training for government officials and events that highlight the recommendations made during the UPR. 

The country clusters are a local working group in each Uproar target country made up of our partner organisations. The clusters are organised by local lead organisations, who then coordinate local civil society and human rights defenders with digital rights expertise to engage in national-level advocacy and campaigning.

A review cycle is a four-and-half-year period within which all UN Member states’ human rights records are reviewed.  Each 4.5-year period is called a UPR cycle. In this section, you can find all recommendations made organised by cycle.

Over a hundred local and international human rights organisations are part of the wider Uproar programme. You can find them listed here.

large_campaign for human rights and development international.png

medium_campaign for human rights and development international.png

small_campaign for human rights and development international.png

thumbnail_campaign for human rights and development international.png

campaign for human rights and development international.png

small_campaign for human rights and development international@2x.png

thumbnail_campaign for human rights and development international@2x.png

campaign for human rights and development international@2x.png

Campaign for Human Rights and Development International

large_cipesa.png

medium_cipesa.png

small_cipesa.png

thumbnail_cipesa.png

cipesa.png

small_cipesa@2x.png

thumbnail_cipesa@2x.png

cipesa@2x.png

The Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa

large_citizens’ advocacy network.png

medium_citizens’ advocacy network.png

small_citizens’ advocacy network.png

thumbnail_citizens’ advocacy network.png

citizens’ advocacy network.png

small_citizens’ advocacy network@2x.png

thumbnail_citizens’ advocacy network@2x.png

citizens’ advocacy network@2x.png

Citizens’ Advocacy Network

large_sierra leone reporter’s union.png

medium_sierra leone reporter’s union.png

small_sierra leone reporter’s union.png

thumbnail_sierra leone reporter’s union.png

sierra leone reporter’s union.png

small_sierra leone reporter’s union@2x.png

thumbnail_sierra leone reporter’s union@2x.png

sierra leone reporter’s union@2x.png

Sierra Leone Reporters Union

small___IGR.png

thumbnail___IGR.png

__IGR.png

small_IGR@2x.png

thumbnail_IGR@2x.png

IGR@2x.png

Institute for Governance Reform

small___Chozen Generation.png

thumbnail___Chozen Generation.png

__Chozen Generation.png

small_Chozen Generation@2x.png

thumbnail_Chozen Generation@2x.png

Chozen Generation@2x.png

Chozen Generation

large_Tomi.png

medium_Tomi.png

small_Tomi.png

thumbnail_Tomi.png

Tomi.png

Sierra Leone has ratified [seven](https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/TreatyBodyExternal/Treaty.aspx?CountryID=156&Lang=EN) of the nine major international human rights treaties since its independence in 1962. In order to mainstream the various thematic aspects of these treaties into local contexts of member states party to them, including Sierra Leone, the UN has established various mechanisms including the [Universal Periodic Review ](https://www.ohchr.org/en/hrbodies/upr/pages/BasicFacts.aspx)(UPR).

The UPR was established by the Human Rights Council (UN HRC) in 2006 to promote, support and expand human rights on the ground in UN member states. This is done through periodic reviews of reports supplied by both state and non-state actors to the UPR every four to five years. These reviews are carried out by the UPR working group who can be joined by other UN member states to give various recommendations to the State under review (SuR) through an outcome report. These recommendations are either accepted or noted by the SuR. The SuR then has the primary responsibility of implementing the accepted recommendations within the cycle they received them and the next cycle.

One of the major benefits of the UPR is that the SuR is able to have its human rights records and obligations assessed by other peer countries based on international human rights instruments that they are party to. Additionally, such assessment is carried out based on democratised information — information supplied by the SuR, special procedures with the UN architecture and civil society groups.

Perhaps, one of the most defining features of the UPR is that various thematic aspects of human rights are considered by the recommending states under their international human rights obligations. One of such thematic aspects are [digital rights](https://uproar.fyi/) which are human rights that are impacted online through the use or non-use of technologies. For the purpose of assessment at the UPR, these rights have been divided into four major aspects including freedom of expression and opinion; freedom of information and censorship of content; right to equal access and opportunity; and right to data protection and privacy on the Internet.

Most countries, including Sierra Leone have gone through the UPR at least three times since 2011. On issues that relate to digital rights, Sierra Leone [received](https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/UPR/Pages/SLindex.aspx) its first recommendation on the right to freedom of expression in its first cycle in 2011 at the 18th session on 11 July 2011. There were 129 recommendations made by 41 countries. During that review, Netherlands recommended that Sierra Leone should ‘uphold the right to freedom of expression and assembly.’

Subsequently, in 2016, during its second review at the 32nd session on 14 April 2016, Sierra Leone [received](https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/UPR/Pages/SLindex.aspx) 208 recommendations from 80 countries with references made to the right to freedom of expression and the press but with no specific reference to digital rights.

During its [most recent review ](http://webtv.un.org/meetings-events/human-rights-council/watch/sierra-leone-review-38th-session-of-universal-periodic-review/6253886909001/?term=&lan=english)which took place at the 38th session of the UPR on 12 May 2021, Sierra Leone recorded its highest number of recommendations which was 268 recommendations made by 103 countries. Out of these recommendations, no specific mentions were made with respect to digital rights. However, there were six specific recommendations with respect to the right to freedom of expression while there were mentions of other ancillary rights like media freedoms, protection of journalists, human rights defenders and LGBTQ groups.

In making its recommendation, Czech Republic recommended that Sierra Leone should “ensure the full enjoyment of freedom of expression for all including journalists, human rights defenders and opposition members.” France also recommended that Sierra Leone should “guarantee fundamental freedoms and put an end to arbitrary detentions of journalists, civil society actors, and human rights defenders.”

For Ghana, it enjoined Sierra Leone to “respect for the right to freedom of expression by ending the harassment of journalists” while Netherlands recommended that Sierra Leone should “uphold the right to freedom of expression and refrain from criminalising the legitimate activities of human rights defenders and journalists by restricting their activities and rights including arbitrary arrests of journalists and human rights defenders.”

Latvia equally pointed out in one of its five recommendations that Sierra Leone should “ensure the right to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly as well as media freedom.” Spain also recommended that Sierra Leone should “investigate the restrictions of the right to freedom of expression and assembly of LGBTI persons as well as harassment, arbitrary detention and other forms of violence against them.”

There were also a number of commendations by recommending states that bear on the need for Sierra Leone on digital rights issues. For example, the United Kingdom noted Sierra Leone’s “effort since the last review most notably in the field of media freedom.” It then “calls on Sierra Leone to ensure these principles of freedom of expression are protected in all future legislation including potential legislation on digital space.”

In addition, the United States commended Sierra Leone “for signing into law the Public Order Amendment Act which decriminalises sedition, libel and slander” while Togo was also “pleased about the abolition of legislation criminalising defamation.” Albania also “appreciates the efforts undertaken by the government evident in the new media law, particularly concerning the provisions on defamation and we hope that its implementation adheres to international human rights standards including the right to freedom of expression.”

These recommendations and commendations all point to the gradual recognition of digital rights as an important aspect of human rights in Sierra Leone at the UPR. However, there are still specific digital rights obligations Sierra Leone could fulfil. In the joint stakeholders’ [report](https://cipesa.org/?wpfb_dl=437) submitted by Small Media, Collaboration on International ICT Policy in Eastern and Southern Africa (CIPESA), Campaign for Human Rights Development International and Sierra Leone Reporters Union, at least five issues were highlighted to be of concern with respect to digital rights protection in Sierra Leone.

For example, currently, Sierra Leone has one of the lowest Internet penetration rates in the region which currently stands at 13.2%. This could be improved by optimising the mandate of the Universal Access Development Fund (UADF) which was established by Section 13 of the Telecommunications (Amendment) Act of 2009 to “promote universal service and access to Information and Telecommunication services to all Sierra Leoneans particularly those living in rural, un-served and under-served areas.”

Sierra Leone was also encouraged to pass data protection and cybersecurity legislation through a consultative process while also fulfilling its obligations under its Access to Information Law to ensure proactive disclosures and more responsiveness from State actors.

The report also recommended that Sierra Leone should desist from arbitrary arrests and detention of journalists, media workers and critics and protect their rights to express both offline and online. It also enjoined it to amend the Independent Media Commission (IMC) Act of 2020 to include oversight mechanisms and provide opportunities for redress for the Commission’s decisions.

In summary, while Sierra Leone is gradually waking up to its digital rights obligations, it needs to step up its commitments by focusing specifically on these recommendations made by States and relevant stakeholders. This will assist in no small measure to not only advantageously position Sierra Leone for the immense opportunities of the global digital economy but also protect the rights of Sierra Leoneans online.

large_Protecting digital rights in Sierra Leone .png

medium_Protecting digital rights in Sierra Leone .png

small_Protecting digital rights in Sierra Leone .png

thumbnail_Protecting digital rights in Sierra Leone .png

Protecting digital rights in Sierra Leone .png

Discussing the state of freedom of expression and digital rights in Sierra Leone as it comes under review during the 38th session of the UPR.

Protecting digital rights in Sierra Leone through the Universal Periodic Review

The [38th session](https://www.ohchr.org/en/hrbodies/upr/pages/uprsessions.aspx) of the Human Rights Council (the Council) held from 3 to 13 May 2021. At the session, the human rights records of our UPRoar countries including Namibia, Mozambique, and Sierra Leone were reviewed through the [Universal Periodic Review (UPR)](https://www.ohchr.org/en/hrbodies/upr/pages/uprmain.aspx).

Since 2006, the UPR has been tasked with the assessment of human rights obligations of UN member states. The process, which is largely dialogic, addresses various thematic aspects of human rights based on international human rights treaties and how each State under review (SuR) has performed between four to five years. Since inception, the UPR has reviewed the human rights records of UN member states at least three times.

The various thematic aspects include women’s rights, children’s rights, rights of persons living with disabilities, protection of human rights during conflicts and many others. One of such nascent but crucial aspects of human rights is digital rights. [Digital rights](https://uproar.fyi/), also referred to as human rights online. With respect to the UPR, these rights have been broadly categorised into four, namely freedom of expression and opinion; freedom of information and censorship of content; right to equal access and opportunity; and right to data protection and privacy on the Internet.

In total, Namibia, Mozambique and Sierra Leone received 268, 266 and 268 recommendations respectively. 30 recommendations focused on the right to freedom of expression, media freedoms, access to information, developing rights-respecting policies on data protection and cybersecurity and protection of journalists. Namibia, Mozambique and Sierra Leone received recommendations from 22 UN member states namely Spain, Latvia, Netherlands, Ghana, Greece, France, Czech Republic, Uruguay, USA, Sweden, Slovenia, Norway, New Zealand, Malawi, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Canada, Iceland, Bulgaria, Iceland, Austria and Australia.

![1_Tq6RjE9_FBeEqiFqlUhFWw.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/cld-storage/image/upload/v1646306891/1_Tq6_Rj_E9_F_Be_Eqi_Fql_Uh_F_Ww_26ccc78c7b.png)


During Namibia’s [review](http://webtv.un.org/watch/namibia-review-38th-session-of-universal-periodic-review/6252018168001/) which was held on 3 May 2021, it received three recommendations from Greece, Latvia and the United States with respect to digital rights protection. For Greece, it recommended that Namibia should ‘take concrete steps to improve the safety of journalists, investigate incidents of attacks on journalists and implement the [United Nations’ Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.’](https://en.unesco.org/sites/default/files/un-plan-on-safety-journalists_en.pdf) Latvia also recommended that Namibia should ‘promote and protect the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as well as media freedom and safety of journalists.’ Making a connection between fighting corruption and access to information, the United States recommended that Namibia should ‘prioritise fighting corruption by enacting an Access to Information law.’

Mozambique at its [review](http://webtv.un.org/watch/mozambique-review-38th-session-of-universal-periodic-review/6252363599001/) on 4 May 2021 received the highest number of recommendations with respect to protecting digital rights from 22 countries namely Spain, Latvia, Netherlands, Ghana, France, Czech Republic, Uruguay, USA, Sweden, Slovenia, Norway, New Zealand, Malawi, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Canada, Iceland, Bulgaria, Iceland, Austria and Australia.

For example, with respect to the protection of digital rights, Bulgaria recommended that Mozambique should ‘ensure that the right to freedom of expression and freedom of press is respected including on the Internet space and maintain a positive environment for the work of independent media and journalists.’ In addition, both Canada and the Czech Republic recommended that Mozambique should ‘ensure the protection of freedom of expression provided for under international human rights law are reflected in the texts of new laws governing media and broadcasting and that they are respected in practice.’

The United States also made two recommendations with respect to Mozambique’s obligations to protect the right to freedom of expression and protection of the press. First, it recommended that Mozambique should ‘allow independent press and civil society access to report on conflict regions and uphold Mozambique’s domestic and international obligations and commitments to respect the freedom of expression including those of the members of the press.’ It also recommended that Mozambique should ‘investigate and hold accountable those responsible for violent attacks against members of the press.’

For its [review](http://webtv.un.org/meetings-events/human-rights-council/watch/sierra-leone-review-38th-session-of-universal-periodic-review/6253886909001/?term=&lan=english) which was held on 12 May 2021, Sierra Leone received six recommendations with respect to digital rights. With respect to the right to freedom of expression of sexual minorities, Spain recommended that Sierra Leone should ‘investigate the restrictions of the right to freedom of expression and assembly of LGBTI persons as well as harassment, arbitrary detention and other forms of violence against them.’

Latvia also recommended that Mozambique should ‘ensure the right to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly as well as media freedom.’ Netherlands equally recommends that Sierra Leone should ‘uphold the right to freedom of expression and refrain from criminalising the legitimate activities of human rights defenders and journalists by restricting their activities and rights including arbitrary arrests of journalists and human rights defenders.’ Ghana, France and Czech Republic also gave various recommendations on the need for Sierra Leone should ensure the right to freedom of expression of media practitioners and human rights defenders.

In summary, recommending UN member states and stakeholders pointed out to Namibia, Mozambique and Sierra Leone to ensure that they all optimise the use of their Universal Service Funds, improve the safety of journalists and human rights defenders while also carrying out stakeholder-driven media sector reforms.

In doing this, the SuRs are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity provided for technical assistance through the UPR system for the implementation of the recommendations made to them. On the part of local stakeholders, they are also encouraged to work in collaboration with the SuRs in terms of monitoring and evaluation of the recommendations made especially towards the next review of countries in question.

large_1_mPflHxWXCPaSIRG9oECnWg (1).png

medium_1_mPflHxWXCPaSIRG9oECnWg (1).png

small_1_mPflHxWXCPaSIRG9oECnWg (1).png

thumbnail_1_mPflHxWXCPaSIRG9oECnWg (1).png

1_mPflHxWXCPaSIRG9oECnWg (1).png

A summary of recommendations made to Namibia, Mozambique, and Sierra Leone during the 38th session of the UPR.

The 38th session of the Universal Periodic Review: Improving digital rights protection in Namibia, Mozambique and Sierra Leone

large_small media.png

medium_small media.png

small_small media.png

thumbnail_small media.png

small media.png

small_small media@2x.png

thumbnail_small media@2x.png

small media@2x.png

Small Media

Sierra Leone Factsheet.pdf

small_Factsheet thumbnail.png

thumbnail_Factsheet thumbnail.png

Factsheet thumbnail.png

Sierra Leone_OHCHR Submission Sierra Leone .pdf

small_Resources thumbnail.png

thumbnail_Resources thumbnail.png

Resources thumbnail.png

Free expression

Digital rights

Journalists and media workers

Human rights defenders

Association and assembly

Ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities

Religion and belief

Arrest and detention

Justice and impunity

LGBT+

Advox is a project of Global Voices. They are a global network of activists and journalists dedicated to protecting freedom of expression and free access to information online. They report on threats to online speech, share tactics for defending the work and words of netizens, and support efforts to improve Internet policy and practice worldwide.
 
Global Voices is an international, multilingual, primarily volunteer community of writers, translators, academics, and human rights activists. The non-profit reports, translates, defends and empowers freedom of expression.

small_banner test.png

thumbnail_banner test.png

banner test.png

Global Voices

large_Global Voices@2x.png

medium_Global Voices@2x.png

small_Global Voices@2x.png

thumbnail_Global Voices@2x.png

Global Voices@2x.png

A global network of activists and journalists dedicated to protecting freedom of expression and free access to information online.

In partnership with Advox Global Voices - a global network of activists and journalists dedicated to protecting freedom of expression and free access to information online.

Uproar Tools are interactive data-driven tools that aim to show you how you can use the Universal Periodic Review to improve the situation of human rights in your country. 

Uproar Tools aims to show you how you can use the Universal Periodic Review to improve the situation of human rights in your country. 

The Tools were made in partnership between Uproar and Data4Change, a non-profit organisation working at the intersection of data, design, journalism and technology, collaborating with organisations on social and policy change interventions to forge real change and lasting impact.

Uproar Tools

large_Tools@2x.png

medium_Tools@2x.png

small_Tools@2x.png

thumbnail_Tools@2x.png

Tools@2x.png

Use our free interactive tools to build recommendations and tailor advocacy efforts at the Universal Periodic Review.

Uproar Tools 

Advocacy Assembly is a free multilingual e-learning platform set up in 2015 aimed at educating campaigners, activists, human rights defenders and journalists in digital rights and digital skills. 
In partnership with leading digital rights organisations and experts, Advocacy Assembly offers self-paced online courses in Arabic, English, Farsi and Spanish using a variety of videos, quizzes and slides. The courses cover topics like design, data science, investigative journalism, open source investigations, effective campaigning for social change and much more.

Advocacy Assembly

large_Advocacy Assembly@2x.png

medium_Advocacy Assembly@2x.png

small_Advocacy Assembly@2x.png

thumbnail_Advocacy Assembly@2x.png

Advocacy Assembly@2x.png

A free multilingual platform to access courses with leading organisations such as Amnesty International, Witness and Greenpeace. 

Advocacy Assembly is a free multilingual e-learning platform to educate on digital rights and digital skills.

Sierra Leone

Upr cycle

Resources

Read more

Partner organisations

Sierra Leone cluster