Sierra Leone

Statement by Mr. J. Victor Angelo, Executive Representative of the Secretary at the first country specific meeting of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission on Sierra Leone.

12-10-2006

I. Introduction:

Mr. Chairman, may I begin by congratulating you on your election to lead the work of the Peacebuilding Commission. I am also grateful for the invitation to participate in this first country – specific meeting on Sierra Leone. Let me say, on behalf of the UN system, that we very much welcome the Commission’s consideration of Sierra Leone, which further demonstrates the continued interest of the international community in the country’s situation.

II. Assessment of the situation in Sierra Leone:

Mr. Chairman, since the end of the conflict, Sierra Leone has made significant progress in restoring peace and stability, promoting national recovery and establishing institutions of democratic governance. During this period, the DDR programme has been completed and state authority extended through out the country. The first post -conflict presidential and parliamentary elections were conducted in 2002, and local government elections held in 2004.

Notwithstanding these and the other important achievements, the situation in Sierra Leone remains fragile and needs to be consolidated. Further efforts are required to address the root causes of the conflict, which the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) acknowledges still exist. To that end, the strengthening of the democratization process, through greater political participation, especially of the youth and women is essential. More over, ensuring accountability and improved performance of public institutions and reviving the economy to create opportunities remain key post-conflict challenges.

III. Post – conflict peace building challenges:

Unemployment, public – private partnerships and investment:

Despite its enormous potential, Sierra Leone is yet to attract large scale domestic and foreign direct investment. The domestic revenue base remains extremely narrow. This is further compounded by the country’s vulnerability to the effects of external economic factors. In general, the inability of the economy to create job opportunities has resulted in high levels of unmet expectations, especially among the youth.

Weak national institutions- Lack of capacity and resources:

The Government, with the support of the international community, has made important strides in the restoration and extension of critical public institutions. Nonetheless, the performance of these institutions remains inadequate to meet the basic needs of the population. One area of particular concern is the justice sector, which continues to suffer from lack of capacity, both in terms of qualified personnel and logistics. The corrections system is facing even more serious challenges. Considerable progress has been made in the restructuring and reform of the Sierra Leone Police and the Armed Forces, but both require additional assistance in the areas of logistics and training.

Political parties and electoral process:

Sierra Leone will hold its second post - conflict presidential and parliamentary elections in July 2007. These elections, unlike in 2002, will be conducted with the limited means available in the country. The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has been restructured as an impartial institution. The challenge for the Commission is to be able to organize the elections in a timely and credible manner. The Political Party Registration Commission (PPRC), a vital conflict resolution mechanism, is also seriously under-resourced and understaffed. With respect to the funding of the elections, a UNDP-managed Basket Fund has been set-up, but there is still a gap of about $9 million that needs to be mobilized urgently.

As the national elections approach, the political process remains susceptible to volatility. In particular, some political actors display intolerance, which raises concerns about possible confrontational mobilization. To mitigate these concerns and potential risks, an active partnership between national and international stakeholders is critical.

Accountability and public service sector reform:

Sierra Leone’s continued progress towards lasting peace, development and democratization depends to a great extent on the accountability of its public institutions. To this end, further steps in strengthening of the Anti corruption efforts and the oversight role Parliament is indispensable.

To ensure greater accountability, the Government has taken measures aimed at administrative and fiscal decentralization of authority to the district level. While this is an important step, the newly established local councils face significant challenges. They often find themselves in competition for scarce resources with the traditional chieftaincy administrations, and lack basic capacities. Therefore, the decentralization process requires a new impetus.

Addressing the human rights legacies of the conflict:

There have been substantial improvements in the human rights situation in Sierra Leone. The recent establishment of the National Human Rights Commission constitutes a positive development. The Commission needs considerable assistance to effectively implement the key recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Regional stability:

Sierra Leone’s stability is closely linked to developments in the sub-region, in particular the situations in Liberia, Guinea and Cote d’ Ivoire. While progress in stabilization of Liberia is encouraging, the protracted process in Côte d’Ivoire remains a source of concern. A close partnership with Guinea is also vital for the future of the sub-region. Moreover, cross- border challenges, such as the illicit movement of small arms and drugs, human trafficking and the illegal trade in and smuggling of natural resources, particularly diamonds, also call for an effective sub-regional cooperation.

IV. Strategies and national frameworks:

Mr. Chairman, consolidating the hard-won peace and promoting sustainable development would require addressing these challenges in a holistic manner. To that end, the Government, with the support of its partners, has developed a comprehensive Poverty Reduction Strategy, which is complemented by a Peace Consolidation Strategy. A Security Sector Reform Programme is also being implemented and progressing well.

V. United Nations Activities in Sierra Leone:

United Nations integrated presence:

The United Nations continues to support the national efforts to complete the recovery and create the foundations for sustainable development. Following the end of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission’s (UNAMSIL) mandate at the end of 2005, a new Integrated Office (UNIOSIL) has been established by the Security Council. UNIOSIL, which became operational in January 2006, brings together the political, security, human rights and development dimensions of the United Nations work in Sierra Leone.

United Nations Common Programmatic Objectives:

On the development side, the United Nations Country Team completed the revision its Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) to realign it with the Poverty Reduction Strategy and the Peace Consolidation Strategy. The UNDAF gives particular attention to issues of capacity-building, gender equality and youth.

Mr. Chairman, Notwithstanding the progress made, Sierra Leone continues to face serious challenges to consolidate these achievements and to address the root causes of the conflict. Further progress in these areas will require the continued engagement and support of the international community. In that regard, we see the Peacebuilding Commission as an opportunity to help all the partners to remain focused on the priorities, which are critical for building and sustaining a democratic and prosperous future for the people of Sierra Leone.

Thank you.