By United Nations expert Baskut Tuncak will visit Sierra Leone from 14 to 25 August to assess the country’s human rights record in relation to hazardous substances and waste. The Special Rapporteur, who is making his first official visit to the country, said he would assess Sierra Leone’s work so far to protect people’s rights from the effects of toxic materials.
“I am keen to learn more about Sierra Leone’s legislative and policy frameworks to protect human rights from pollution and contamination, including with regard to extractive industries and the agricultural sectors,” Mr Tuncak said.
“During the visit, I will also focus on the efforts by the State to ensure accountability for human rights violations and abuses, as well as redress for victims, particularly those most at risk, such as children, women, older people and workers,” said the expert on hazardous substances and waste.
Mr. Tuncak, who is visiting the country at the invitation of the Government, will meet Government representatives as well as civil society organizations and the business community. A press conference will also be held at the conclusion of the visit, on the 25th of August, at the UNDP office, 55 Wilkinson Road, Freetown, at 12:00 noon local time. The Special Rapporteur will present a comprehensive report with his findings and recommendations to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2018.
Meanwhile, on another account, President Jacob Zuma will on Friday, 11th of August, host the President of the Republic of Liberia, Her Excellency President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for a State Visit to South Africa, in Pretoria. According to feeds from the Presidency, the visit is an important vehicle for economic growth and cooperation between the two countries and will further contribute to strengthening intra-trade relations in the continent of Africa.
During the State Visit, the two Heads of State will review the bilateral cooperation between the two countries as well as progress made with regard to finalizing outstanding agreements.
Reporter: Ridwan A Olayiwola