Project Background
Inaccessibility to justice by most Sierra Leoneans who
reside in the provinces was one of the causes advanced for
the decade-long civil conflict. The need for a programme
that facilitates increased access to justice by citizens
therefore became evident following the end of the war. A
comprehensive judicial reform to address the functional
and institutional weaknesses that inhibit the effective
functioning of the Justice sector was thus embarked upon.
Also, as provided for in the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission (TRC) Act 2000, the Government
of Sierra Leone established the National Human Rights
Commission (NHRC) in as a follow-on commission that would
implement the TRC recommendations. The NHRC lacks the
requisite capacity to accomplish its mandate effectively.
In response to this, UNDP in partnership
with government and other agencies, has been providing
substantial support to reform the judiciary and together
with the United Nations Integrated Offices in Sierra Leone
(UNIOSIL), towards building the capacity of the newly
established Commission.
Project Objectives
Build the
capacity of the judiciary and NHRC to ensure increased
access to justice, speedy trials, reduction of backlog of
cases and popularization of human rights issues.
Project
Outcome
An effective,
efficient and accountable justice system established; and
increased awareness and respect for human rights.
Links
with Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
Sierra Leone