| Posted: May 06 2005,06:59 |
If you wrote this report, you will find a button here that you may click
in order to make changes in the report. 
|
PROGRESS: Has your organization seen
progress toward a culture of peace and nonviolence in your domain of
action and in your constituency during the first half of the Decade? |
In
Sierra Leone today the peace dividend has manifested itself in
different forms at different levels in every facets of the society.
The President has been successfully re-elected into office for
the second term, Paramount Chiefs elections have been concluded,
district and municipal elections conducted, some of the last batches of
Internally, Displaced Persons (IDPs) relocated to their areas of
origin, transition from recovery to sustainable development firmed up,
the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) handing over the
National Security to the indigenous defense apparatus almost complete,
The Mano River Union MRU sub-regional integration in its infancy, the
ongoing effort at economic convergence in the region and the enactment
and implementation of laws and development strategies are some of the
issues Youth Serving Agencies and the country have to contend with.
There
is consensus, of the level of public talk, for making governance
processes in Sierra Leone transparent, accountable, participatory,
reconciliatory, development or at least poverty alleviating. To
achieve these in order to stabilize our fledgling peace, a number of
new, and not so new institution and reform processes have been
initiated, both at the state and non state levels.
On
reconciliatory and criminal accountability process the Truth and
Reconciliatory Commission gathered lots of data about the war, but
hardly did anything reconciliatory. I think its processes were
very formal and alienating for the overwhelming illiterate population
of the country. The same may be true of for the Special Court.
|
OBSTACLES: What are the most important obstacles that have prevented progress?
|
Poverty
reduction and economic growth are the two biggest challenges facing
Sierra Leone and, especially, its young people as the scars of the war
are visible in every aspect of the Sierra Leone society. And
young people not only manifest these scars but are healing the deep
wounds underneath the scars albeit gradually and painfully.
In
addition to the above, the ugly heads of societal graft, gender
inequality, maternal and infant mortalities, unemployment, HIV/AIDS,
malaria and T.B, unsustainable environmental practices and youth
marginalization, illiteracy, hunger, little infrastructure, and
insufficient inputs to development programmes are glaring enough to be
missed in our midst.
The Independent Youth Forum with its
colleague networkers are aware of the interconnectedness of the above
negative indicators that would require cross-cutting measures to adjust
the imbalances. Therefore interventions over the next decade
should have concrete outputs, precise target that are measurable,
actionable, realistic and time bound. Also these interventions at
the community level will firm-up previous IYF youth interventions at
community level in order to complement the Government Poverty Reduction
Strategy- PRS, Food Security, Education for All, Decentralization,
Private Sector Development, Anti Corruption initiatives, National
Environment Program etc. to achieve the Millennium Development Goals of
2015 and the Sierra Leone Vision 2025.We highlight these points to draw
attention to the lack of substantive commitment by the state to ensuing
accountability and redress
|
ACTIONS: What actions have been
undertaken by your organization to promote a culture of peace and
nonviolence during the first half of the Decade?
|
The
Independent Youth Forum has undertaken a number of activities to
celebrate the international Day of peace since 2001. Such
programmes are organized at district as well as national levels to
include - debates, workshops, symposia, rallies etc. : see attached
report:
REPORT OF A TWO-DAY NATIONAL YOUTH CONSULTATIVE MEETING
HELD AT THE BRITISH COUNCIL AUDITORIUM IN FREETOWN ON JUNE 19TH AND
20TH, 2002 by The Independent Youth Forum.
INTRODUCTION
A. THE YOUTH CRISIS
Understanding
the Sierra Leone Youth Crisis has proved to be an uphill task for
government, International and Local NGO's whose policies are youth
oriented.
This scenario is the result of the continued
alienation of the youth from the mainstream of policy formulation and
decision-making process, and also one of the tremendous odds, which
accordingly to the youths, they have tried to overcome over the past
years.
Cross section of participants
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE YOUTH CRISIS
The
Sierra Leone Youth Crisis dates way back to the days of colonialism,
but however began to be visible during the days of the APC government.
After
1977, the misuse of the youths by both politicians and other elders in
society had caused the term ''youth'' to be associated with
waywardness, drug-addiction, school dropouts, social delinquents etc.
This
negative perception of the youths created a psychological gap between
the youths and the rest of society which further widened the alienation
trend.
The absence of a National Youth Policy that will enhance
the socio-economic, political and cultural development of the youths is
an impending factor in the process of youth empowerment, youth
participation in national development programmes and good governance.
Furthermore,
the politicisation of National Youth Forums/bureaus by successive
governments have greatly undermined the credibility of such
institutions to stand out as agencies advocating better standards of
living for the youths. The recognition of youth initiatives and the
participation of youths in the mainstream of policy formulation and
decision-making processes etc has been glaringly absent.
Also,
the high rate of illiteracy and low and middle level man-power
expertise among the youth population has also militated against the
socio-economic, political and cultural emancipation of the youths.
SITUATION ANALYSIS
The
above analysis has in a great way helped to create an unacceptable
reality: the disorganization of the Sierra Leonean youths.
This
disorganization of the Sierra Leonean youth is far more disastrous than
an atomic bomb. In fact, it is widely believed by some youth
development officers that the present rebel war is one of the many end
products of such a sad trend.
Much to the disappointment of
these youth development officers, authorities concerned do not seem to
have realised this. This was clearly demonstrated by the fact that
youths were marginalised from taking part in the deliberations that led
to the signing of the Lome Peace Agreement, taking into consideration
that youths formed the bulk of the membership of the Revolutionary
United Front, Civil Defence Forces, and Sierra Leone Army combatants.
It is opined that youth input into the Lome Peace Agreement would have
been a welcomed development. Nevertheless, youth alienation and
marginalisation continues unabated.
It is against this
background that youth representatives from different parts in the
country met at a two-day consultative meeting at the British Council
Hall on June 19th - 20th, 2000 to discuss the Lome Peace Agreement, the
way forward for the holding of elections, the disarmament programme,
among other issues, and the possibility of the formation of a
National Youth Forum at civil society level.
DAY ONE - , JUNE 19, 2002.
I. Programme of activities for the day: See attached programme for day one.
II. Registration of participants: See attendance records sheet.
III. Call to Order:
The
meeting was called to order by the Moderator/Chairman of the two-day
consultative meeting, Mr Abdulai Bayraytay, the Information and
Research Officer at the Campaign for Good Governance.
IV. Opening prayers:
Two volunteers from participants led Muslim and Christian prayers.
V. Welcome address and introductory remarks:
The
Coordinator of the Campaign for Good Governance, Mrs Zainab Hawa
Bangura in her welcome address said youths have over the years been
deprived to effectively participate in the unfolding social, economic
and political issues confronting Sierra Leone. She said the meeting was
a first attempt therefore to bringing youths together in a consultative
meeting in which vital issues pertaining to the development of the
youths, the Lome Peace Agreement, the DDR programme and the way forward
for sierra Leone would be discussed.
Mrs Bangura narrated her
experience with the youths since the political interregnum in 1997/98
when they were together in exile in Conakry, Guinea. She said that she
has come to realise that the youths are despondent because they feel as
if they are being neglected with no better facilities and
opportunities.
She said youths have been marginalised in society,
as their voices are not being heard, and therefore only considered when
authorities want to misuse them for their own political and economic
gains.
Mrs Bangura said that her experience with the youths
gives her the impression that youths want their voices to be heard.
"They want to disseminate their own views on issues affecting the
security and welfare of the nation," Mrs Bangura noted.
She
further said that upon the restoration of the democratically elected
government of President Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah in 1998 much
attempt has not been made to directly focus on youths - which is an
elaborate project on its own, and is viewed by many bi-lateral and
multi-lateral donor agencies as being a crisis. She said even her
organisation, the Campaign for Good Governance since its establishment
in 1996 has not ventured into addressing youth-related issues since CGG
as an advocacy NGO cannot provide the much- needed funds to
address the youth crisis. She however emphasized that IYF can play a
positive role in advocating a better future for the youths.
Mrs
Bangura said that after the May 8th spontaneous demonstration in
Freetown against Foday Sankoh over the slow pace of the disarmament
process, IYF consulted some youth representatives on the way forward
and the collective search for lasting peace in war-torn Sierra Leone.
She said it were these representatives who proposed a consultative
meeting of youths so that they can have the opportunity to discuss
among themselves issues affecting the country and their collective
welfare.
The CGG Coordinator highlighted that the consultative
meeting should provide youths the opportunity to better understand the
issues at stake; the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration
(DDR) programme, the viability of the Lome Peace Agreement, National
Commission for Reconstruction, Resettlement and Rehabilitation (NCRRR),
and Elections.
Mrs Bangura prayed that the consultative meeting
would be an appropriate forum wherein youths can frankly discuss the
following issues:
a. Where are we today as youths?
b. What is our future? Where do we want to be?
c. How do we get to where we want to be?
d. How do we know we are there?
She
further informed representatives that they should be able to organise
and find solutions to the numerous problems facing the youths,
viz-a-viz the aforementioned postulations and their required
participation in the search for lasting peace in Sierra Leone.
She
expressed hope that the consultative meeting would be the beginning of
a national youth network system, adding that IYF will not only provide
advocacy services for the resolutions that will be adopted at the
meeting, but will also facilitate their implementation.
Finally,
she thanked each participant, especially those from the provinces, for
making it possible to represent their groups in this all-important
forum.
VI. PRESENTATIONS:
a. The Role of NCRRR in Post-war Reconstruction of Sierra Leone - Mr. Francis Moijue, Regional Coordinator at the NCRRR.
Presenting
his paper on the topic: ''the role of NCRRR in post-war reconstruction
of Sierra Leone, Francis Moijue gave a thorough insight into the
operations of the NCRRR He said inter-alia that NCRRR was
established to coordinate humanitarian relief efforts, advocate
nationwide rehabilitation, reconstruction and resettlement needs,
assist vulnerable groups such as youths, internally displaced people,
refugees etc. He said that the NCRRR is a demand-driven institution
which means that groups/communities should first make a demand - submit
a project proposal to NCRRR for funding assistance.
Mr Francis
Moijue explained at length the wide-ranging opportunities the NCRRR
offers to the nation but regrettably lamented that much use is not
being made by the communities to benefit from the funds available at
NCRRR.
He cited the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports
which he said has neither submitted a proposal for the rehabilitation
of existing schools nor the establishment of a middle level man-power
development training facility for youths.
He also made
references to the Kissy and Dworzak communities which he said have not
been able to organise themselves to write a project proposal that will
express the needs of their communities for the attention of NCRRR.
Mr
Francis Moijue further elucidated on how youth groups can benefit from
NCRRR funds, stressing that though his agency deals with any kind of
youth group, there are certain pre-requisites which must have been
addressed before NCRRR can directly work with any youth group. Such
pre-requisites include: a proper registration, group must have been in
existence for more than two years, adequate infrastructure and
personnel, sound financial standing, credibility etc. He made reference
to Fourah Bay Community Development Association as a community of
NCRRR, as such NCRRR is working with them to rehabilitate a community
school. He also noted that youth groups that do not meet the necessary
requirements should submit their project proposals through an
implementing agency be it an international or a local NGO.
The
NCRRR representative further highlighted the various funds available to
his agency and the different development programmes for which these
funds could be accessed.
According to him, NCRRR receives funds
from institutions such as ADB, IDB, World Bank European Union, SLG,
UNDP, etc. and finance the following programmes: agriculture,
rehabilitation of community infrastructure, court ''barrays'',
hospitals, small-scale business enterprises, micro-credit facilities,
vocational training centres etc.
He called on youth groups to
properly assess the needs of their communities and channel project
proposals through an implementing agency, so that they too can benefit
from NCRRR funds.
b. YOUTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT - MR ABDUL S.A. KOROMA - PAN-AFRICA GRASSROOT ORGANISATION.
In
his presentation, Mr. Abdul .S A. Koroma said that the youth age in
Sierra Leone ranges between 15-35 years and that youths make up 45% of
the Sierra Leonean population. Mr. Koroma also noted that this
marked difference in age distribution has greatly affected the
relationship between the youths and the environment in which they found
themselves. Mr. Koroma, a Youth Development Officer, described
the Sierra Leonean civil war to have also affected the relationship
between the youth and the environment.
Mr. Koroma further
submitted that in all of government's environmental programmes, one is
yet to be specifically designed targeting youths. Instead, youths are
normally called upon to do the "dirty-job".
The representative
of Pan Africa Grass-root Organization said that because of the low
level of environmental awareness among the youths, most have been
involved in destroying the environment in several ways.
He
however called for positive environmental awareness programmes to be
put in place and the establishment of a networking system that will
bring environmentally conscious youths together to draw up
environmental awareness raising programmes.
Mr. Koroma called for a positive use of youthful resources for environmental management including wild life concentration.
He
finally appealed to youths to design environmental programmes that will
enable them to take greater responsibility of the environment as they
are the moral guarantors of the environment, with an obligation to
preserve it from further destruction.
VII QUESTIONS/ANSWERS SESSION
a) Having heard the conditions for accessing funds at NCRR, can youth groups
Register with MYES in order to access NCRRR funds?
In
response, Mr. Francia Moijue of the NCRRR said his commission has
established conditions which determine whether it will work with a
particular group or not. Apart from issues like adequate
infrastructure, personnel,
finance and proper registration, other issues such as the viability of the project
proposal submitted, the level of community input etc, are also taken into
consideration. Once all the conditions are fulfilled, NCRRR will work with youth
groups and other CBOs registered with MYES.
b)
Taking into consideration that negative attitude is a major problem
among the youths of today, how can we effect and maintain attitudinal
change for responsible co-habitation in the environment ?
In
response, Mr. Abdul S. A. Koroma conceded that attitude is indeed a
problem among youths. He said negative attitude among youths has been
partly responsible for the present state in which youth find
themselves. If this trend could change, concerted efforts,
good-examples and awareness raising programmes should be adopted.
c)
Is it prudent to discuss about project proposals instead of issues
relating to the welfare of the youths and how to bring lasting
peace to our beloved nation ?
Mr. Moijue said while it was
pertinent to discuss issues relating to the welfare of youths and the
search for lasting peace in Sierra Leone, the issue of project
proposals is one such ways by which youths can better their welfare and
even undertake programmes that will augment their input into the
collective search for lasting peace. Because the NCRRR is talking
about project proposals and giving out funds to finance development
programmes does not mean that NCRRR is not interested in peace.
The work of NCRRR will greatly facilitate our search for peace
and a better welfare of the youths.
IV GROUP DISCUSSIONS
The consultative meeting was divided into four working groups to discuss the
following issues:
A. 1. Where are we today as youths?
2. Where do we want to be?
3. How do we get there?
4. How do we know we are there?
5. What do we as youths want NCRRR to do for us?
6. How can youths participate in the programmes of NCRRR?
X GROUP PRESENTATION
Group 1
RAPPORTEUR - MR. JOHN PAUL BAI
CHAIRMAN - MRS AUGUSTA KAMARA
1. WHERE ARE WE TODAY AS YOUTHS
* We are marginalised and neglected youths in Sierra Leone for long.
* Active participants in RUF, SLA, CDF etc.
* Used as thugs and political instruments
* No common platform to express views, feelings and opinions.
* No hope for a better future.
2. WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE?
* Youth participation in all areas of national development.
* To bridge the gap between politicians and youths.
* A peaceful Sierra Leone.
* A drug-free society
3. HOW DO WE GET THERE ?
*
There is the need to establish an Independent Youth Forum which shall
serve as an umbrella organisation for all youths in Sierra Leone.
* Free educational facilities for uneducated youths.
* Adoption of a National Youth Policy.
* Positive change in attitudes.
4. HOW DO WE KNOW WE ARE THERE ?
* When an independent youth forum is established, a national youth policy adopted.
* When youths can access all social facilities provided by the state
* When there is a marked change in the attitudes of youths.
5. WHAT DO WE WANT NCRRR TO DO FOR YOUTHS
*
To set up a documentation centre that will relay all their activities
and collaborating partners for the attention of youth groups.
* Provide funding for the construction of a national youth centre.
6. HOW CAN YOUTHS PARTICIPATE IN NCRRR PROGRAMMES
*
The total involvement of youths in all NCRRR national development
programmes, i.e. construction, mobilisation, sensitisation etc.
GROUP 111
RAPPORTEUR - MRS. KHADIE KABBA
CHAIRMAN - MR. TEDDY FODAY-MUSA
1. WHERE ARE WE TODAY AS YOUTHS
* In a messy situation
* Lack enlightenment
* Lack support from government
* Disunity among youths
* Spiritual and cultural backwardness.
2. WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE ?
* Youths should be trusted and given responsibilities
* Active participation in national development programmes.
* A state where youths will be self-responsible.
* A state of cultural enhancement.
* Youth groups to be linked up in a global village set-up.
HOW DO WE GET THERE?
* By being responsible
* Being honest
* Awareness raising through advocacy and sensitisation, mobilisation etc.
2. HOW DO WE KNOW WE ARE THERE
* The prevalence of good governance.
* Youths assuming responsible positions in society.
* Signs of rapid development.
3. WHAT SHOULD NCRRR DO FOR US AS YOUTHS
* To minimise formalities and requirements for funding qualification.
* To be sending out-reach officers to areas of interest.
* Capacity building for youths.
4. HOW CAN YOUTHS PARTICIPATE IN NCRRR PROGRAMMES
* Through the formation of a National Youth Council.
GROUP 111
RAPPORTEUR - JAMES HALLOWELL
CHAIRMAN - SAIDU KAMARA
1. WHERE ARE WE AS YOUTHS
* State of powerlessness - future is bleak, bare and uncertain.
* Nation's dumping ground-no structures and facilities for youths.
* Used as thugs of war (Kapras, Kamajors, RUF etc)
* Left behind in the nation's socio-economic and political development.
* Voiceless and marginalised.
2. WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE
* To be involved in the socio-ecomomic development of the country.
* To recognise the rights of youths.
* To be in a society where youths can contribute to develop their own future.
3. HOW DO WE GET THERE
* Formation of a national youth council.
* To involve youths in the socio-economic, political and cultural development process.
* Engage in meaningful voluntary, community service for self-employment, self-reliance and sustainability.
4. HOW DO WE KNOW WE ARE THERE
* When a National Youth Council would have been formed and a National Youth Policy adopted.
* Training centres should be established
* Greater youth participation in national issues and good governance.
5. WHAT SHOULD NCRR DO FOR US AS YOUTHS
* To identify skills and talents of youths.
* To empower and encourage youths as implementing partners.
6. HOW CAN YOUTHS PARTICIPANTS IN NCRRR
PROGRAMMES
* NCRRR to engage and encourage youths as implementing partners.
GROUP IV
RAPPORTEUR: - JULIUS BRIMA COLE
CHAIRMAN: - KADIJATU KAMARA
1. WHERE ARE WE TODAY AS YOUTHS
* No future for youths
* Youths considered as not being serious
* Lack opportunities
2. WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE ?
* To be represented and heard.
* Peaceful atmosphere free from violence
* A unified youth forum
* Gainfully employed.
3 HOW DO WE GET THERE ?
* National mobilization and sensitization programmes
* Adoption of a national youth policy.
* A positive change of attitude
* Commitment to work and duty.
4. HOW DO WE KNOW WE ARE THERE
* Provisions of job and security.
* Reject political manipulations.
* When a National Youth Policy is adopted.
* When youths are aware of their rights and responsibilities.
5. WHAT DO WE WANT NCRRR TO DO FOR YOUTHS
* Direct involvement of youths on the ground
* Prompt response to youth proposals.
* NCRRR to refrain from sectionalism, tribalism and nepotism
* NCRRR to recommend groups to other funding agencies.
6. HOW WILL YOUTHS PARTICIPATE IN NCRRR
PROGRAMMES
* To train youths on peaceful co-existence.
* To form a youth task force to sensitize combatants in the bush.
* To support the establishment of a National Youth Council and the adoption of a National Youth Policy.
X SUMMARY OF GROUP PRESENTATIONS
The group discussion could be summarized as follows:-
QUESTION -1:
Where are we today as youths?
Youths
are in a state of powerlessness, no future, no unity; culture of
neglect; Government neglects duties to youth; youths are the nation's
dumping-ground and are being used as thugs of war.
QUESTION - 11:
Where do we want to be?
Youths
want to be in a society where they too can contribute to the
development of their own future; to be involved in the socio-economic
development process of the nation, engage in meaningful, voluntary
community development projects for self-employment, self-reliance for
self-sustainability. Youths want to live in an atmosphere free
from violence. Youths want to establish a global village through
effective networking.
QUESTION - 111:
How do we get there?
Youths
can get where they want to be through a constructive awareness raising
programmes; the enactment of a National Youth Policy and the formation
of a National Youth Forum/Council that will be a central coordinating
secretariat for youth-related issues and programmes. Youths can get to
where they want to be if they reject political manipulation and show
commitment in whatever they do.
QUESTION IV:
How do we know we are there?
Youths
can only be certain they have reached where they want to be when a just
egalitarian society would have been established. When most youths
are gainfully employed. When youths are fully aware of their
rights, duties and obligations.
QUESTIONS V:
What should NCRRR do for youths?
To
work directly with youth groups. To use local resources in the
implementation of projects. To start responding to pending youth
projects and to recommend CBO's, youth groups to other potential donor
agencies. To support the establishment of NYP through institutional
capacity building.
QUESTIONS VI:
How should youths participate in NCRRR Programmes?
It is believed and accepted by all that a central coordinating secretariat be
established through which youths can be able to effectively participate in
NCRRR programmes.
NOTE:
Special recommendations: The following recommendations were put
forward for consideration by the groups:
a) That CGG and other authorities to do something on the continuous rise in
the number of street children.
b) To establish a Steering Committee that will work towards the
establishment of a National Youth Forum/Council and the enactment
of a National Youth Policy.
c) Youths can be used in the implementation of the DDR programme.
d) Youths should be represented in government's decision-making bodies.
e) To establish a National Youth training centre for middle-level man-
power training and
development.
f) To conduct regular radio and television discussion programmes.
g) To work for a drug and crime free society.
X11 - AFTERNOON SESSION
NOTE:
In the absence of Mr. Abdul Tejan-Cole who should deliver a paper
on "The Lome Peace Agreement" and "Elections", Mr. Sorie Bangura
alias Orayray (a popular bread seller in town) blamed the politicians
for the deplorable state in which youths find themselves.
He called on youths to condemn and resist political manipulations
and to form a concerted body that will speak with one voice on issues
affecting the welfare of youths nation wide.
On the consensus of
participants, Mr. Abdulai Baraytay of CGG was called upon to give the
political history that culminated in the signing of the Lome Peace
Agreement.
After an elaborate historical background, reactions
from the audience upheld the formation of the National Youth
Forum/Council as the most viable institution through which youths can
impact the peace process and even national development programmes.
On
this note, speaker after speaker re-echoed that the formation of NYC
should not come from government as it is the constitutional right of
all youths to freely associate, join or form associations etc. It
was however noted that government needed to double its efforts in
enacting a National Youth Policy.
X111 ADJOURNMENT:
The Consultative Meeting came to an end at 5:30 pm
and was adjourned to the following after a closing prayers were
said.
DAY TWO -JUNE 20, 2002
- REGISTRATION OF PARTICIPANTS:
-
- See attached registration records sheet.
- PRAYERS:
- Opening Muslim and Christian prayers were said.
- CALL TO ORDER:
- The second-day of the Consultative meeting was called to order by Mr. Abdulai Bayraytay, moderator of the meeting.
PRESENTATIONS:
a) UNDERSTANDING THE DISARMAMENT, DEMOBILIZATION AND
REITERATION PROGRAMME
BY MR. SULLAY SESAY, SOCIAL REINTEGRATION
OFFICER NCDDR
Making
his presentation, the Social Reintegration Officer explained that the
mandate of the NCDDR is very crucial in the search for lasting peace
viz-a-viz the conduct of presidential and parliamentary elections.
He took time to explain the different components of the DDR and its intricacies as enshrined in the Lome Peace Agreement.
Mr.
Sesay informed the Consultative Meeting that the first represents
disarmament. According to the Lome Peace Agreement, the voluntary
disarmament of all combatants is supposed to be on course. He however
lamented that the current insecurity has greatly hankered the
disarmament programme. He further noted that a transitional
safety allowance of $ 300 is given to any ex- combatants who decides to
voluntary dissociate him/herself from the war. He also made it
clear that only conventional weapons, and not traditional weapons such
as cutlass, are accepted at the disarmament sites.
Mr. Sullay
Sesay also stated that the next ''D'' represents demobilization.
Under this process, ex-combatants who have voluntarily disarmed
are taken to encampment sites where they undergo psycho-social
rehabilitation and re-orientation therapies. They undergo
thorough medical examination and treatment. He said ex-combatants
are given utensils like buckets, blankets, cups, plates and spoons plus
part-payment of the $ 300 TSNA.
Mr. Sesay further said that
reintegrating ex-combatants into their communities have proved to be a
worrisome burden. According to him, most communities are reluctant to
accept some of these ex-combatants into their original communities,
similarly so, some ex-combatants are refusing to return to their
communities because of the evil deeds committed against the people.
He
opined that the reintegration department would be glad to collaborate
with youth groups in the reintegration exercise, as the department
works with traditional leaders, opinion leaders and civic groups.
Mr.
Sesay exclaimed at the alarming level of illiteracy in the ranks of the
combatants. He said that NCDDR provides educational training and
vocational and technical skills training programmes for ex-combatants.
He said some ex-combatants are already pursuing respective academic
courses at Fourah Bay College, N'jala University College, Milton Margai
College of Education while some others are enrolled in vocational
institutions like Trade Centres and OIC providing technical and
vocational training for the youths.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
a) Don't you think that because the TSNA is pegged in US Dollars, that is
why ex-combatants are demanding they should also receive their money in
US Dollars ?.
In
Response, Mr. Sesay said Sierra Leone is a sovereign state, and
therefore it will be illegal to use the US tender notes in
transactions. Moreover, Mr. Sesay went on, NCDDR does not receive
the TSNA is US Dollars. The money is paid through Barclays Bank to
DFID. Barclays Bank pays DFID in leones. NCDDR offices are not
responsible to pay TSNA, they are only called to assist DFID.
DON'T YOU THINK RE-LOCATING EX-COMBATANTS INTO NEW
COMMUNITIES MAY HELP THE REITEGRATION PROCESS? -
Mr.
Sesay responded in the affirmative while encouraging participants to
call on him at his office in order to discuss in detail the DDR
programme.
b) DEMOBILIZATION CAMP ARE DEHUMANIZING?
Those
are not demobilization camps. They are displaced camps. We
dig water-wells and pit latrines at demobilization camps.
PRESENTATION
c) THE NATIONAL YOUTH POLICY:
The moderator called on Mr. Cornelius Deveaux of the Firestone Youth
Organisation, who made a presentation on the ''National Youth Policy''
In his presentation which focused on the need for a national youth policy and
national youth council, the benefits if both are in existence and the
disadvantages of there absence, Mr. Deveaux gave a detailed background
information that led to the drafting of a national youth policy
by Mr. Joe
Massallay in 1995.
Mr. Deveaux said youths have been struggling to pressure
government to adopt
a national youth policy and now
youths have been assiduously striving to
establish a net-work organization for youths.
Proven to be resourceful in youth work, Mr. Deveaux highlighted the benefits
of an Independent National Youth Council devoid of any Government control
or machinations and advised participants that an independent youth council is
the only way youths can assume their responsibility to the development of the
nation, co-ordinate their own activities, and lobby for external funding for the
numerous youth-related projects.
He
suggested that a steering committee should be established at the close
of the two- day meeting which will be primarily charged with the
responsibility of working out modalities for the constitution of an
Independent youth forum, and advocate for the adoption of a national
youth policy.
He said that these two strategies were the only
way out youths can empower themselves in order to take up the
mantle of leadership and contribute positively to the development of
the nation and even the reviewing and re-implementation of the Lome
Peace Agreement.
REACTIONS
Several speakers in
reaction to Mr. Deveaux's presentation supported the call for the
adoption of a national youth policy and the creation of an independent
national youth forum at civil society level.
GROUP DISCUSSION
ISSUES TO DISCUSS
1. STATUS OF LOME PEACE AGREEMENT
DO WE NEED A NEW ACCORD?
If Yes, Why?
If No, Why?
Do we need amendments?
What's to be amended and why?
What are the prospect for elections in 2001 ?
If yes, Why? If no, Why?
What should happen after 2001 ?
GROUP 1
RAPPORTEUR - MR. JOHN PAUL BAI
CHAIRMAN - MRS. AUGUSTA KAMARA
DO WE NEED A NEW AGREEMENT ?
No
Why ?
* Moral guarantors believe it can still work.
* Time consuming and expensive to prepare a new agreement
DO WE NEED AMENDMENTS ?
Yes
WHAT IS TO BE AMENDED AND WHY ?
* There are gross violations in the agreement by all warring factions.
*
The DDR should change it mechanism; adopt fast track approach and a
time frame should be stipulated for the completion of the programme
* Foday Sankoh should be stripped of his position and privileges as Vice President.
* Article 6 - CCP should be neutral and equipped to perform its functions.
* Foday Sankoh should be tried for cease-fire violation and human rights abuses.
WHAT ARE THE PROSPECT FOR ELECTIONS IN 2002 ?
* None, due to the resumption of hostilities, incomplete DDR programme etc.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER 2002 ?
* Refer to constitution.
* Need for an interim government after exhausting constitutional requirements
GROUP 11
RAPPORTEUR - TEDDY FODAY-MUSA
CHAIRMAN - KHADIE KABBA
DO WE NEED A NEW AGREEMENT ?
No
Why ?
* Financial Constraints
* Stakeholders are dishonest
DO WE NEED AMENDMENTS?
Yes
WHAT IS TO BE AMENDED AND WHY?
* Time frame for disarmament programme should be stated.
* Penalty should be prescribed for cease fire violators
* Joint monitoring team to visit Sierra Leone monthly instead of once every three months.
Commission for the Management of Strategic Resources, National
construction and Development (CMMRD) chairmanship to be withdrawn from
Sankoh.
WHAT ARE THE PROSPECTS FOR ELECTIONS?
Not possible
Why?
* Insecurity
* Low level of political education
* No compiled and accurate voters' register
WHAT WOULD HAPPPEN AFTER 2002?
* Refer to constitution.
GROUP 111
RAPPORTEUR - JAMES HALLOWELL
CHAIRMAN - SAIDU KAMARA
DO WE NEED A NEW AGREEMENT ?
No
Why ?
* The present impasse could not be resolved through the use of force.
* Both moral guarantors and stakeholders have reiterated that the accord is the best way out for lasting peace in Sierra Leone.
*
The UN Mission (UNAMSIL) is in Sierra Leone as a result of the accord,
signing a new accord means the withdrawal of the mission and this would
pose a seriuos security threat to the nation.
DO WE NEED AMENDMENTS ?
* Yes
WHAT IS TO BE AMENDED AND WHY?
* Amend Article V11: Sankoh misused his office as Chairman of CMRRD.
* Article XV1 to be amended
* Penalty should be stipulated for cease-fire violations.
* Both factions don't respect Human Rights.
ELECTIONS
No prospects for elections.
Why ?
* Time frame not enough for the completion of DDR programme
* Transformation from proportional representation to constituency system
* We need proper security before we hold elections, hence " No peace No election".
WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN AFTER 2002
* Put an interim government in place.
GROUP 1V
RAPPORTEUR - JULIUS B. COLE
CHAIRMAN - KADIJATU KAMARA
DO WE NEED A NEW AGREEMENT?
No
Why?
* Financial constraints
* RUF has a leadership problem and the need therefore for them to replace Foday Sankoh with someone committed to peace.
* Lome Peace Accord as the most appropriate document.
* Accord makes provision for the release of prisoners of war, abductees etc.
* Accord establishes institutions like NCRRR, NCDDR which may be
instrumental in the search for lasting peace and post-war reconstruction and
development.
DO WE NEED AMENDMENTS?
Yes
WHAT IS TO BE AMENDED AND WHY?
Article V11
* To prevent illegal exploitation of our resources.
Article 1V
* No blanket amnesty for crimes committed after the signing of the Accord.
* UN to review their mandate.
WHAT ARE THE PROSPECTS FOR ELECTIONS 2002?
No prospects.
Why?
* Insecurity
* Peace accord may not have been completed by then
* No access to certain parts of the country.
* Problems of refugees and displaced people.
WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN AFTER 2002?
* Refer to constitution, after which form interim government.
XX11 - PLENARY DISCUSSION AND FORMATION OF RESOLUTIONS
COMMITTEE
MEMBERS OF THE RESOLUTION COMMITTEE WERE
1. Julius B. Cole - Education for Peace
2. Teddy Foday-Musa - The World Peace Prayer Society
3. James Hallowell - Peace Links Arts Beat Centre
4. Saidu Kamara - Naeeim Muslim Youth Organization
5. Kadiatu Kamara - Tonkolili Youth Development Association
6. John Paul Bai - Y2K Voluntary Youth Dev. Organization
7. Augusta Kpaka - World Peace Prayer Society
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS
After
a brief break, the meeting was reconvened in which a representative of
the Resolutions Committee, Mr.Osman Kanneh was called upon to
read out the resolutions. The said resolutions were adopted by
representatives of youth groups drawn from across the country and
attending the two- day national consultative conference held at the
British Council Hall on June 19th and 20th, 2000.
(See attached copy of adopted resolutions)
FORMATION OF STEERING COMMITTEE
Representatives
of youth groups drawn from across the country, meeting at the British
Council empowered and mandated this committee to meet and draw-up
strategies that will advocate for the adoption of a national youth
policy and the formation of an independent youth council that will
organise, coordinate, facilitate and monitor youth organizations and
youth development programmes. The Steering Committee was further
mandated to be the official voice of independent youth representation
on issues affecting the welfare and empowerment of the youth and also
in issues relating to policy-formulation and decision making at
National and International levels.
CLOSING REMARKS
In
her closing remarks, the Coordinator of CGG, Mrs. Zainab Hawa Bangura
congratulated the youths for sparing the time to meet in a National
Consultative Meeting to discuss issues relating to the Lome Peace
Accord the collective search for lasting peace in Sierra Leone,
the DDR and the elections. She said that the meeting indicated
that the youths are ready and determined to take up responsibility of
their future destiny in their hands. She assured representatives
that as an advocacy NGO, CGG will facilitate the dissemination of the
resolutions adopted at the meeting.
SUMMARY
In summary of the
two-day consultative meeting which provided the novel opportunity for
youths across the country to come together for the first time after the
Freetown Youth Festival.
The opening remarks by Mrs. Zainab Bangura
motivated representatives and set them on the platform for the frank
and fruitful discussions that followed.
The presentations were
well-packaged and delivered. The issues dealt with enlightened the
youths and raised their level of consciousness and understanding of the
concepts and workings of the NCRRR and NCDDR.
The Group discussions
were frank and fruitful. Representatives saw the group discussions as
an appropriate forum wherein the input of all representatives were
elicited.
The resolutions adopted are the represented views of youth groups drawn from across the country.
The
two-day consultative conference is widely seen as a success for youths
and the beginning of a national net-work system that will organize,
coordinate and monitor youth groups, youth development programmes, and
the beginning of a constructive advocacy tool that will raise national
and international awareness on the plight of the Sierra Leonean youths.
CONCLUSION:
This report was carefully recorded, prepared and submitted By the Directorate of the Independent Youth Forum.
Faithfully submitted by:
John Paul Bai
Director
Paul and Sylvia
ANNEXE: 1
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED IN A TWO-DAY NATIONAL YOUTH CONSULTATIVE MEETING:
We,
representatives of Sierra Leone Youth Organizations drawn from across
the country, and having converged at the British Council Auditorium,
Tower Hill, Freetown in a two-day NATIONAL YOUTH CONSULTATIVE
CONFERENCE on June 19th and 20th, 2002 organized by the Independent
Youth Forum,
And having also realized the need to take our own
destiny in our own hands by fully and effectively participating in
issues affecting us as a nation,
DO HEREBY RESOLVE ON THE FOLLOWING ISSUES:
1.
That for lasting peace and reconciliation to reign in Sierra Leone,
there is every need to resuscitate the LOME PEACE AGREEMENT as a basis
for resolving the Sierra Leone crisis;
But that there is the
felt need to amend certain sections of the said agreement by nullifying
Article IX that gave Foday Sankoh pardon and amnesty, and reprieve for
alleged crimes committed against the people of Sierra Leone after the
signing of the Lome Peace Agreement on July 7th, 1999 and that we
agitate for youth representation in the committee that will review the
agreement;
2. That we call on the proposed review committee to consider the provision of
reward and penalty for conformity in the implementation of the revised agreement by the respective parties;
3.
That we call on the government and the wider spectrum of the
International Community to consider the need to still maintain RUF
representatives in government in the spirit of peace and reconciliation
as provided for in Articles IV and V in the Lome Peace Agreement;
4.
That we the youths of Sierra Leone call for the stepping up of pressure
on Liberia and its President Charles Taylor, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast
and Libya to contribute to the peaceful resolution of the crisis in
Sierra Leone as moral guarantors as provided for in Article XXXIV in
the Lome Peace Agreement, rather than fuelling it;
5. That we
strongly and unequivocally condemn the abrasive and brutal killings of
innocent and unsuspecting civilians by the RUF during the May 8th, 2000
peaceful demonstration over the slow pace of the disarmament programme
on the part of the RUF;
AND that having also realized the need for peaceful political transition through elections,
6.
We the youths believe and hold the firm view that holding of elections
are not feasible by the year 2001 taking into consideration the general
insecurity and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons across
the country; and therefore call for the formation of an interim
government with a broad-based participation of all political
stakeholders after exhausting the constitutional requirements for such;
7.
That we the youths of this country have in a consensus arrived at the
desired need to form an independent National Youth Platform wherein
youths will be able to express their views on social, economic and
political issues confronting Sierra Leone as a nation;
8. And
that in line of achieving this, we call for the review of the National
Youth Policy document with consideration for youth representation;
9.
That we call on and encourage the Independent Youth Forum to continue
to support youth initiatives across the country with a view of
bringing them into the mainstream of effective participation in
national issues; while also encouraging other NGOs and government to do
same;
10. That we call on the government and the leadership of
the RUF to be sincere and fully committed this time round to the
genuine implementation of the revised Lome Peace Agreement;
11.
That we call on the RUF to unconditionally release all civilian
abductees, especially women and children, and all UNAMSIL personnel and
their weaponry from its custody;
12. That we call and appeal to
the United Nations, especially the Security Council, to consider a
change in its mandate in Sierra Leone from one of peacekeeping as spelt
out in Article XVI section 1 of the Lome Peace Agreement to one of
enforcement taking into consideration the mountain problems associated
with the DDR programme;
13. And that finally, we express our
profound gratitude to the International Community like the UN, the OAU
and ECOWAS, and especially the governments of the United Kingdom, the
Federal Republic of Nigeria, Canada and UNAMSIL personnel for the
unflinching support and significant role they are continuing to play in
the peaceful resolution of the Sierra Leonean crisis.
DONE IN FREETOWN ON June 20 2002.
|
ADVICE: What advice would you like to
give to the Secretary-General and the General Assembly to promote a
culture of peace and nonviolence during the second half of the Decade? |
|
PARTNERSHIPS: What partnerships and
networks does your organization participate in, thus strengthening the
global movement for a culture of peace? |
We participate in Global Youth Service Day as Lead Agency for Sierra Leone
|
PLANS: What new engagements are
planned by your organization to promote a culture of peace and
nonviolence in the second half of the Decade (2005-2010)? |
|
Postal address of organization
|
|
E-mail address of organization
|
independentyouthforum@yahoo.com
|
Website address of organization
|
|
Highest priority action domain of a culture of peace
|
Democratic participation
|
Second priority action domain of a culture of peace
|
Education for a culture of peace
|
Highest priority country of action (or international)
|
our action is national in that we design programmes to capture members of our network.
|
Second priority country of action (or international)
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
