Norway recommends Sierra Leone strengthen SGBV laws, protect journalists, and uphold rule of law; abolition of the death penalty.

Norway recommends Sierra Leone strengthen SGBV laws, protect journalists, and uphold rule of law; abolition of the death penalty.

Permanent Missions to the UN and WTO/EFTA in Geneva

Recommendations to Sierra Leone (12.05.2026)

52ndSESSION OF THE UPR WORKING GROUPStatement Norway

on theon the human rights situation in Sierra Leone

delivered by Mr Tormod C. ENDRESEN, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN and other International Organizations.

Norway welcomes Sierra Leone and commends their efforts to strengthen gender equality through the relevant legislation adopted in 2022 and 2024. We also commend the abolishment of the death penalty.

However, we remain concerned by the human rights situation.

Norway recommends that Sierra Leone:

1.Strengthen efforts to prevent and enforce laws against sexual and gender-based violence, including female genital mutilation and child marriages, and enhance prevention, protection and awareness-raising, including through engagement in the communities with traditional leaders.

2.Take concrete steps to ensure freedom of expression and peaceful assembly by protecting journalists, human rights defenders and civil society actors, and by ending arbitrary arrests and harassment in line with international human rights standards.

3.Strengthen rule of law and accountability by ensuring policing practices and public order laws comply with international human rights obligations, including implementing the November 2024 ECOWAS Court ruling on discriminatory loitering laws.

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UPR: 52nd session, 4 - 15 May 2026

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