SIERRA LEONE: UN publication on elections and human rights

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SIERRA LEONE: UN publication on elections and human rights

ABIDJAN, 11 April (IRIN) - The UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) launched
publications on Wednesday designed to help police officers uphold human
rights issues during the upcoming elections.

'Elections and Human Rights,' published as a result of collaboration between
UNAMSIL, the Sierra Leone police and the National Electoral Commission
(NEC), aim to increase the capacity of the police in carrying out its duties
during May presidential and parliamentary elections.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Sierra Leone, Oluyemi
Adeniji, said the publications formed part of UNAMSIL's contribution to
building a police force in Sierra Leone that is effective and respects human
rights. They also show how international standards can be adapted to local
needs in promoting the rule of law based on effective observance of human
rights, UNAMSIL reported Adeniji as saying.

UNAMSIL has established, within the mission, an electoral component and
recruited 30 additional civilian police advisers to support the government
and the police in preparation for the polls on 14 May.

[ENDS]

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