COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION Forty-seventh session
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 9 OF THE CONVENTION
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Sierra Leone
587. At its 1116th meeting, held on 10 August 1995 (see CERD/C/SR.1115), the Committee reviewed the implementation of the Convention by Sierra Leone based upon its previous reports (CERD/C/R.30/Add.43 and 46 and CERD/C/R.70/Add.22) and their consideration by the Committee (see CERD/C/SR.153, 159, 161, 204 and 215), together with the Committee's previous review at its 921st meeting on 8 August 1991 (see CERD/C/SR.921 and A/46/18, paras. 279-282). The Committee once more noted that no reports had been received from the State party since 1974.
588. Members of the Committee once more recalled, in connection with those previous reports, that the Committee had considered them to be insufficient; that section 13 (4) (g) of the Constitution then in force had been deemed incompatible with article 1 (3) of the Convention and that the Committee had requested the Government to submit additional information on the implementation of the Convention.
589. The Committee understands that according to section 27 of the 1991 Constitution "no law shall make any provision that is discriminatory either of itself or in its effect"; that this provision covers differential treatment "attributable wholly or mainly to their respective descriptions by race, tribe, sex, place of origin, political opinions, colour or creed", but that this provision "shall not apply" to any law "for the limitation of citizenship".
590. Members concluded that it would not be useful to reopen discussion on the basis of the previous reports, but that a communication should be sent to the State noting that an important question had been outstanding since 1974 and requesting information about constitutional and other developments.
Concluding observations
591. The Committee regrets that Sierra Leone had not responded to its invitation to participate in the meeting and to furnish relevant information. In concluding the review, the Committee decides that a communication should be sent to the Government of the reporting State setting out its reporting obligations under the Convention and urging that dialogue with the Committee should be resumed as soon as possible.
592. The Committee suggests that the Government of Sierra Leone avail itself of the technical assistance offered under the advisory services and technical assistance programme of the Centre for Human Rights.
