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AdvocAid has disassociated itself from a press release titled CSO’s Position on the Threat to Peace following Sierra Leone 2023 Presidential and General Elections dated June 29th, 2023.
In their said disclaimer, AdvocAid commends the work carried out by civil society organizations in Sierra Leone, particularly about the recent elections, as well as their broader contributions to fostering a just and inclusive society for all in Sierra Leone.
However, the disclaimer further states, ”Our attention was drawn to a Press Release dated June 29, 2023, and wish to respectfully distance ourselves from the said Press Release which falls out of our mandate and for which authorization was not sought. AdvocAid’s engagement in the election process was to monitor the process for human rights abuses against women, document these abuses (if any) and where necessary provide legal aid/support to women who came into contact with the law. Our organization’s involvement was geared towards safeguarding the rights and interests of vulnerable individuals, particularly women affected during the electoral process. In light of the above, we respectfully request that AdvocAid’s name be expeditiously removed from the aforementioned press release, as we have not taken any position on the matter considering our level of involvement”
Meanwhile, AdvocAid works with vulnerable women and girls who are arrested, detained, or tried within Sierra Leone’s criminal justice system. They provide holistic legal aid and rehabilitation services, including free legal advice and representation, formal and legal education, welfare, and post-detention support. As well as managing individual cases, we also deliver advocacy and law reform campaigns focused on wider issues impacting women and girls in the justice system, and they work closely with the police, judiciary, and correctional service to develop capacity within the justice sector and improve conditions for detainees and children incarcerated with their mothers.”
