By politico staff writer
The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has engaged 500 (five hundred) youths on Human Rights, Elections, and Non-violence as the country heads to the polls on 24th June 2023.
The engagement was held in the Western Area on the 17th and 19th of May 2023.
The Commission identified vulnerable youths on the edge as potential risks to the enjoyment of human rights during the electioneering period as they have been used by politicians to create disturbances during the process.
The engagement which targeted youths from Ghettos, Car Wash points, Hook-up Girls, Bike Riders, Cliques, and Ataya Bases was geared towards understanding the issues igniting the participation of young people in election violence and establishing Human Rights Non-violence Ambassadors.
The Chairperson of HRCSL Patricia Narsu Ndanema said the Commission’s mandate is to protect and promote the human rights of all in Sierra Leone. She said one can only enjoy human rights when there is freedom.
She added that the Commission’s engagement with youths in non-violence is to prevent a situation wherein the action of a few people will affect the rights of the majority.
“The Commission believes and trusts in youths present here, we don’t want any violence in the elections,” she said.
National Youth President, Tejan Z. Kellah thanked the Commission for bringing youths together to talk about peace and non-violence in elections. He said the engagement by the Commission with young people has been the best so far.
“We all have roles and responsibilities and as youths, it is our right to go out and vote on Election Day. But we should also ensure there’s no violence during and after the polls,” he said.
He admonished youths to be law-abiding if they want their rights to be respected. He urged participants to be ambassadors of peace and non-violence in their respective communities and hangouts.
According to the Bike Riders Association (BRA) President Umaru Talie Bah, they have 1,256 (one thousand, two hundred and fifty-six) registered riders across the country. He thanked the Commission for including them in the engagement and commits to ensuring that Bike Riders do not engage in violence during and after the elections.
The East District BRA representative Mohamed S. Turay stated that the peace of the country is in the hands of Bike Riders. He said they have been criticized over the years but affirmed that they are the most peaceful in society.
Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police Sylvester Koroma who also doubles as the Regional Commander-West spoke on the responsibility of the police which is to maintain law and order.
“Our message to you is simple, enjoy your rights as much as you can and stay away from violence during and after the elections,” he said.
He went on to say that it is their work to ensure that citizens enjoy the peace they deserved and that no one will take that entitlement away from them.
Youth leaders from the targeted groups made a commitment against violence before, during and after the elections and to also educate their colleagues.
The unveiling of the Commission’s human rights and non-violence in elections theme song done by the youths climaxed the event.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (24/05/23)
