Exploitation is not only limited to land but also to the natural resources in the seas. There
are various cases of illegal fishing in the territorial waters of Sierra Leone. The Ministry
of Fisheries on its part is taking steps to address this issue.
Article 22
The right to economic, social and cultural development.
Legal frame Work
Section 7 (1) (a) of the Constitution provides that the government shall harness all natural
resources of the nation to promote national prosperity.
General Practise
In 2009, the Mines and Minerals Act which seeks to improve the welfare of communities
adversely affected by mining; and to introduce measures aimed at reducing the harmful
effects of mining activities on the environment and to provide for other related matters
was enacted. In addition, The Bumbuna Watershed Authority and the Bumbuna
Conservation Area Act18 which provides for the establishment of the Bumbuna
Watershed Management Authority, to coordinate sustainable land use and agriculture
programmes in an environmentally compatible manner in the Bumbuna Watershed, to
promote environmental management and biodiversity conservation in the Bumbuna
Conservation Area, in order to address environmental and social needs associated with
the operation of the Bumbuna Hydroelectric Dam, including, the physical protection and
sustainability of the Bumbuna reservoir and to provide for other related matters;
Environment Protection Agency Act19to provide for the effective protection of the
environment and for other related matters.
Article 23
The Right to national and international peace and security
Legal framework
Section 5 (b) of the Constitution provides that it shall be the duty of the state to provide
security, peace and welfare for the people and that such shall be the duty of the police,
the armed forces, public offices and all security agents. In addition, the constitution
maintains that it shall be the responsibility of the state to promotes international
cooperation for the consideration of international peace and security and mutual respect
for their territorial integrity and independence, respect for international law and treaties
as well as seeking of settlement of international disputes by negotiation, conciliation,
arbitration or adjudication and the promotion of inter- African cooperation and unity.
To ensure national security, the National Security and Central Intelligence Act of 2002
was promulgated to ensure the internal and external security of the State and establishes a
National Security Council which is Chaired by His Excellency the President of Sierra
Leone. It also establishes the Office of National Security (ONS) which is tasked with
coordinating the security sector of the country. The Public Order Act of 1965 makes
certain actions or omissions which threaten public security criminal offences under
which, the perpetrator can be charged and brought before the courts of law. The
Constitution also makes provision for public emergencies which according to it can be
proclaimed by the president when it is imminent or such a situation has commenced.
18
19
Act No. 6 of 2008
Act No. 11 of 2008
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