By Nasratu Kargbo
The President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA) Eddinia Michaela Swallow says there is low legal representation for juveniles in conflict with the law, and urged colleagues to provide pro-bono services for the children in remand homes in order for them to get quick access to justice.
Swallow made this call on the 7th of June 2023 at an event organized to launch the Dems Project for Boys and to hand over a dorm renovated by the SLBA to the facility. She stated that some of the children have spent a long time in the facility due to inconsistency in legal representation.
She added that all lawyers should embrace the project and ensure they take it personally by providing pro bono services for the children. Swallow explained that sometimes when the children are taken to court; their lawyers or the judges do not sit, stating it is usually disappointing for them to return to wait for another date.
The President explained that some of the kids are on exams and taking classes, stating that due to the delay in providing them access to justice; they spend more time in the facility which according to her, affects their schooling.
Swallow revealed that in their engagement with the Officer in Charge, he has told them about their constraints, one of which she said is the lack of fuel to travel with the kids to and from the court. She stated that this has also contributed to the children spending more time at the facility, due to them missing some sittings.
The President explained that they had wanted to help them with sewing machines, but when they went to the home, the authorities told them that they had other pressing needs such as renovating their dorms, and fixing their gate, amongst other things.
The Vice President of SLBA, Sidikie Tommy said “There is a very huge shortage of legal representation for juveniles, it is important that they be accorded the same representation as others”, adding that some go to court but do not have legal representation, noting that there are few lawyers who take up cases of juveniles.
He said he believes that juveniles should be represented by attorneys, stressing that every juvenile has the right to an attorney.
Tommy said they are working on a pro-bono scheme, noting that this will create a platform wherein lawyers will undertake pro-bono work for the children.
The VP said they think the police should be sensitized on matters that have to do with children, especially the vulnerable.
“We believe the juvenile justice system should put more emphasis on encouraging offenders’ accountability through restorative justice, engaging in community service, and helping youths take responsibility and make amends for their action,” Tommy said.
He said they believe the purpose of such a facility is to reform and transform the children, noting that the reformation phase is very important. Tommy explained that the children should be empowered with vocational skills and formal education, stating that their detention should be for a short period but sometimes they stay long.
Whilst highlighting some of the challenges they encounter in the facility, Officer in Charge of the Remand Home (OIC) Alieu A. Gormoh said the delay in the indictment is a problem.
He said that there are times when the court does not sit and that in other cases they give long adjournments. Gormoh stated as kids, and he believes their matters should be expedited.
The OIC stated that most of the cases are also done publicly in the high court, noting that they should get juvenile court as it obtains in the magistrate courts at Pademba Road and Ross Road.
SLBA’s sponsors which include Marampa Mines, EcoBank, and UBA assured the institution of their continued support in taking up such humanitarian ventures.
The programme climaxed with the handing over of items for soap making and gara dying, the renovated dorm, and the new gate.
The total number of children at the home is eighteen out of which there are five girls including a pregnant girl.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (07/06/23)
