Written answers

Thursday, 6 October 2005

Department of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Conflicts

5:00 pm

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current political situation in Sierra Leone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26918/05]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Sierra Leone has made major progress in the restoration of peace since the end of the civil war in 2002. The overall security situation is generally calm and stable. Presidential and parliamentary elections are planned for 2007. However, serious challenges remain, not least because of limited progress towards addressing the root causes of conflict such as corruption, weaknesses in governance, and poverty. Sierra Leone is also affected by the fragile political situation in the sub-region, especially in Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea and Liberia.

The Government of Sierra Leone, with the support of the UN mission in Sierra Leone, UNAMSIL, is gradually assuming full responsibility for the maintenance of security through the build-up of the national armed forces and police. This process is due to be completed by end December 2005 when the residual UNAMSIL presence will be withdrawn. However, the security forces face considerable logistical constraints and Sierra Leone will require continued international support for the security sector in the future.

UNAMSIL will be replaced in January 2006 by the United Nations integrated office in Sierra Leone, UNIOSIL, which will assist the Government to develop and implement a strategy for addressing the root causes of the conflict and accelerating progress towards the millennium development goals; to build the capacity of the National Electoral Commission to conduct a free, fair and credible electoral process in 2007; and to strengthen the security sector. Sierra Leone's long-term development needs will also be addressed at a major donors' meeting to be held in London in November 2005.

The human rights situation in Sierra Leone is improving. Work is under way on the establishment of a human rights commission to which the UN Commissioner on Human Rights has offered technical assistance. The final report of the truth and reconciliation commission has been published and UNAMSIL distributed its findings throughout the country in August 2005. The Government subsequently published a White Paper which reflected most of the Commission's recommendations, but implementation has not yet begun. Both the judicial sector and civil society remain weak.

Poverty is a major problem in Sierra Leone and more than 70% of the population live on less than US$1 per day. GDP grew by 7.4% in 2004, supported by improvements in agriculture, mining, construction, manufacture and services. However, the business environment is still fragile, which hampers private sector growth. Major progress has been made in the diamond mining sector, particularly in the area of licensing, which has resulted in a substantial increase in official exports of diamonds. These totalled US$127 million in 2004 and US$82 million in the first half of 2005. Earlier this year, Ireland established a development co-operation office in Freetown. Funding of more than €1.75 million has already been allocated to Sierra Leone in 2005 and further support is under active consideration.

The Sierra Leone Special Court was established in 2002 to bring to trial "those who bear greatest responsibility" for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Sierra Leone after 30 November 1996. Currently, 11 persons associated with all three of the country's former warring factions stand indicted by the special court. Ireland has been a strong supporter of the court since its establishment in 2002 and has contributed more than €1 million to it. This includes €300,000 for 2005 to 2006 pledged on 30 September 2005.

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