Joint Statement during the Universal Periodic Review Outcome of Mozambique

Delivered by: Gaia Padalino

Thank you,

We thank Sierra Leone for engaging in the UPR process.
The recommendations of the Outcome Report raised concerns on the perpetration of female genital mutilation and death penalty in Sierra Leone. There is an evident implementation gap between the international human rights standards and the lived realities of the people in Sierra Leone. All forms of female genital mutilation and the application of the death penalty amount to human rights violations that the national laws of Sierra Leone fail to prohibit.
We strongly encourage Sierra Leone to implement the recommendations listed in the Outcome Report. In this regard, we urge the adoption of national legislation to criminalise the perpetration of the death penalty and female genital mutilation or cutting, as these practices are not addressed as human rights violations in Sierra Leone. Acknowledging the importance of liberty and security of the person in the national Constitution is not sufficient and does not amount to concrete human rights enforcement.

Moreover, we call upon Sierra Leone to enact initiatives aimed at increasing awareness on harmful practices, such as mutilation and death penalty, and their effects. It is paramount to educate the national community, including women and girls, on prevention and the physical and psychological implications.
In addition, we urge Sierra Leone to consider that the right of consenting adults to make informed choices on matters affecting their personal lives and bodily integrity shall not prevent the state from prohibiting practices violating human rights.

Accordingly, we appeal to Sierra Leone to comply with the findings of the Outcome Report and implement measures at a national level regarding the prohibition of death penalty and female genital mutilation.
Death penalty and female genital mutilation shall be banned in every country.

I thank you