COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

Fifty-third session

11 – 29 January 2010

OPTIONAL PROTOCOL ON THE INVOLVEMENT OF

CHILDREN IN ARMED CONFICT

List of issues to be taken up in connection with the consideration of the initial report of Sierra Leone (CRC/C/OPAC/SLE/1)

Under this section the State party is requested to submit in written form additional and updated information, if possible, before 19 November 2009.

Please clarify the State party’s interpretation of the concept of “direct participation” in hostilities.

Pleaseclarify what is the sanction for the crime of recruitment and enlisting children provided for in the Child Rights Act 2007. Does this provision include recruitment by armed groups distinct from armed forces as well? And does it cover also recruitment and/or use in hostilities of a Sierra Leonean child for a conflict outside the country? Could the State party establish its jurisdiction for the investigation and prosecution of the crime of recruitment and enlisting children if committed outside Sierra Leone, by or against a Sierra Leonean citizen?

Please inform the Committee on the follow-up given to the recommendations made by the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) to the MSWGCA in its 2008 report, in particular with respect to the intensification of the monitoring of demobilized ex-combatants.

What are the developments, if any, with respect to the establishment of a National Commission for Children? If created, what would be its relation with the National Commission for War Affected Children?

Please inform the Committee on the measures taken by the State party within the framework of Security Council resolution 1612 (2005).

Please inform the Committee on the measures taken to prevent possible recruitment of children (or re-recruitment of former child soldiers) in conflicts taking place in neighbouring countries.

Please inform the Committee on the training for and dissemination of the Optional Protocol among relevant professional groups working at national level with children who may have been recruited or used in hostilities, including teachers, police, lawyers, judges, medical professionals, social workersand journalists. Please also provide information on whether the Optional Protocol is part of the school curricula and human rights education, including peace education, is taught for all children in schools.

According to information received by the Committee there are schools operating in military areas/precincts. Could you please clarify the nature of these schools and whether they are subject to a special regime? Is the regular curriculum taught in these schools and are the teachers civilian or military teachers? Please also indicate the age of children enrolled in these schools.

Please provide the Committee with further information on the measures takento improve the birth registration system and indicate which mechanisms are available to controland verify the age of recruits.

Does the State party have any information on children (both Sierra Leonean and foreigners) who entered its territory and may have been recruited or used in hostilities abroad? If so, please provide information on measures adopted with regard to their physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration.

Please provide more information on the treatment received by children who may have committed crimes while recruited or used in hostilities. In particular clarify whether they may be subject to criminal trials at the national level and, if so, please inform the Committee on the measures taken to ensure that these trials take place in conformity with juvenile justice standards and procedures.

According to the Statute of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, the Special Court and the national courts of Sierra Leone shall have concurrent jurisdiction. Please inform the Committee on the mechanisms put in place to ensure that the same standards and procedural guarantees applied by the Special Court, in particular for the hearing of child victims and witnesses, are also applied in trials taking place in national courts.

Please explain how the access to arms is regulated within the State party. Also, please inform on what are the rules regulating the production, sale and distribution of small arms and other weaponry.

-----