The African Regional Organization of the International Trade Union Confederation (www.ituc-africa.org) would like to extend our warm congratulations to the government and the people of Sierra Leone for formally abolishing the death penalty. It is coming more than 20 years after the country carried out its last execution.
We have learnt that Sierra Leone’s president signed on Friday a bill abolishing the death penalty, declaring that the West African country had "exorcised horrors of a cruel past" after a long campaign to end capital punishment.
According to the information, recorded death sentences in Sierra Leone increased to 39 in 2020 compared with 21 in 2019. We welcome the abolition of the death penalty as it contributes to the recognition of the most basic fundamental right to life which every nation must uphold.
According to the information, recorded death sentences in Sierra Leone increased to 39 in 2020 compared with 21 in 2019. We welcome the abolition of the death penalty as it contributes to the recognition of the most basic fundamental right to life which every nation must uphold.
We urge the country and government to focus on improving the practices, environment and institutions for the advancement of the rule of law and the administration of justice. Where the rule of law is effective and accessible, accountability is enhanced and impunity can easily be reined in and prevented. It will contribute to engendering trust in the judiciary and legal system.
ITUC-Africa also notes with commendation the recent historical achievement of the ratification of Nine (9) International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conventions by the Sierra Leonean government. We call on the government to continue to genuinely engage and collaborate with the national labour organizations, employers and all stakeholders towards the advancement of the welfare and wellbeing of the people.
In Solidarity,
Kwasi Adu-Amankwah
General Secretary, ITUC-Africa
