International Labour Organisation has also adopted practical measures in protecting the rights and existence of labour unions. Article 11 Every individual shall have the right to assemble freely with others. The exercise of this right shall be subject only to necessary restrictions provided for by law, in particular those enacted in the interest of national security, the safety, health, ethics and rights and freedoms of others. Legal framework This right is guaranteed by section 26 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone which provides that it can be restricted where it is reasonably required in the interest of public safety and public order, public morality, the provision for the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the life of the community or for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedoms of other persons. The Public Order Act of 1965 also makes provision for the restriction of assembly in certain cases in line with the claw back clauses in the constitution. General practise People are free to assemble including to form political parties and to hold meetings. This right is re-established by the Political Parties Registration Act. Political parties, like all other organisations and associations, need permission to hold public meetings. Restrictions on holding such meetings can only be placed in the interest of public safety and directions to prevent this will be given by the police. In Sierra Leone, if a demonstration or procession for example is to be held, permission will have to be sought from the police for clearance, directions and protection. Article 12 The right to freedom of movement and the right to seek political asylum. Legal framework Section 18 of the Constitution, prohibits the deprivation of the right to freedom of movement except where such right is restricted in accordance with the law. The circumstances under which a person might be deprived of his freedom of movement in Sierra Leone include the limitation of such right which is reasonably required in the interests of public defence, public health, public safety, public morality or the conservation of natural resources such as mineral, marine, forest and other resources of Sierra Leone. This right can also be limited for the imposition or restriction of movement or residence in Sierra Leone of any person who is not a sierra Leonean and other justifiable reasons. General practise To guarantee this right in accordance with the law, National Identity Cards are issued to all citizens of Sierra Leone and residential permits are granted by the immigration department to non citizens who are permitted to move around and reside freely. National Passports, which are now ECOWAS passports also, are granted to all citizens of Sierra Leone who apply for one. Issuance of all travelling documents is done by the Immigration Department, after rigorous scrutiny to ensure that applicants fulfil the requirements of holding a national passport or travelling document. Once a national 16