SIERRA LEONE

• Legal framework:

–  THE CONSTITUTION OF SIERRA LEONE, 1991

http://www.sierra-leone.org/Laws/constitution1991.pdf

Article 15.

Whereas every person in Sierra Leone is entitled to the fundamental human rights and freedoms of the individual, that is to say, has the right, whatever his race, tribe, place of origin, political opinion, colour, creed or sex, but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest, to each and all of the following—

1. life, liberty, security of person, the enjoyment of property, and the protection of law;
2. freedom of conscience, of expression and of assembly and association;
3. respect for private and family life, and
4. protection from deprivation of property without compensation;

Article 26.

(1) Except with his own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of assembly and association, that is to say, his right to assemble freely and associate with other persons and in particular to form or belong to any political party, trade unions or other economic, social or professional associations, national or international, for the protection of his interests.

(2) Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this section to the extent that the law in question makes provision—

1. which is reasonably required—
2. in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality, public health, or provision for the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the life of the community; or
3. for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedoms of other persons; or
4. which imposes restrictions upon public officers and upon members of a defence force; or
5. which imposes restrictions on the establishment of political parties, or regulates the organisation, registration, and functioning of political parties and the conduct of its members;

and except in so far as that provision, or as the case may be, the thing done under the authority thereof is shown not to be reasonably justifiable in a democratic society.

• Legislative framework:

– The 2009 NGO Policy Regulations, Policies and Guidelines for the Operations of Non-Governmental Organizations in Sierra Leone

https://mohs2017.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/final-ngo-policy-guidelines-and-regulations.pdf

– The 1965 Public Order Act https://www.rightofassembly.info/assets/downloads/1965_Public_Order_Act.pdf