Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law | CARL Sierra Leone - ...fostering human rights through accountability

Assessing the Impact of Community-Based Monitors in Human Rights Monitoring

The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL) is an independent, not-for-profit organization working towards a just society for all persons in Sierra Leone through monitoring, advocacy for institutional transparency, capacity building and empowerment of citizens. CARL monitors key national institutions including the courts (both at the formal and informal level), the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Human Rights Commission, and also follows up on Read more...

Dispensation Of Justice At The Local Court: Persisting Challenges To Confront…

The Native Administrative court, also known as local court of Sierra Leone, derives its authority from the Local Courts Act, 1963; the Courts Act, 1965 and Section 170 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone which deals with the laws of Sierra Leone. The said Section states, amongst others, that the laws of Sierra Leone shall comprise “rules of customary law including those determined by the Superior Court of Judicature”; and “customary law” means “the rules of law which by custom are applicable to particular communities in Sierra Leone”. Thus, the Native Administrative courts are legally constituted to Read more...

Challenges in Fair Trial Administration in the North: A Case study of the Local Court

The right to a fair trial as a norm of international human rights law is designed to protect individuals from the excesses of law enforcement agencies during the trial process. This right is firmly guaranteed under Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which provides that “everyone shall be entitled to a fair and public hearing by a competent, independent and impartial tribunal established by law”. The fundamental importance of this right is Read more...

The Day of the African Child: A Day of Celebration and a Reminder of Ongoing Challenges in the Juvenile Justice System

The Day of the African Child was celebrated throughout Sierra Leone by various activities including film shows, dances, and parties.  School heads treated children to beneficial activities.  In some places, the activities concluded without the children even understanding the reason for commemorating the day.  But, in large part, children interpret June 16 as their own day – they eat good food, put on their best African dresses, and do things freely without restrictions from parents and teachers.

Juveniles in Prison (Photo Courtesy of viiphoto.com)

Despite the celebration, not all children are able to enjoy this day.  In particular, children behind bars lack the freedom to celebrate with their friends and are often neglected. Read more...