Amnesty International Sierra Leone has ended a two day Annual Regional meeting at the Government Secondary school campus along Combema road in Kenema city on the theme 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Right and Death Penalty in Sierra Leone.
In his welcome address the chairman of the meeting who is also a special adviser in the eastern region Amnesty International Sierra Leone Chapter Sylvester Kallon, said that the Annual Regional meeting was a preparatory meeting which is always held before the National General Assembly (NGA) meeting.
The chairman called on the participants to support Amnesty International Sierra Leone and other Human Rights Organizations so that they can take the message to the grassroots people. According to him there were a lot of constraints over the past years, but said with their support they can tailor those challenges. He said that Amnesty International Sierra Leone always engages the government of Sierra Leone to revoke the death penalty. He cautioned members not to elect people into executive positions on sentiment, but to elect people who they think can deliver the good in the interest of all.
Speaking on the Justice System in Sierra Leone, the Regional Chairman of Amnesty International Eastern Region Edward Kai commended members for their cooperation especially those who came from far distances. Mr. Edward Kai said that the government should set aside a group that can look into the Justice sector in this country especially the local court system which Amnesty International in coalition with other Human Rights Organizations have made prominent he added.
In his contribution the United Nations Human Right Officer East Gabriel Turay spoke on the Universal declaration of Human Right as the death penalty. According to MR. Turay the death penalty has been ratified by some countries, while Sierra Leone, Togo and other countries are yet to ratify it.
The Kenema District Human Right Committee chairman Mr. Titus Mansalay talking on the Theme 60th years Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Right and the Death Penalty in Sierra Leone, said that their office in Kenema is there to collaborate and promote all other human right organizations in the region and Sierra Leone as a whole.
In his statement, Mamoud Kamara on behalf of the national council extended thanks and appreciation to members of Amnesty International Sierra Leone in the Eastern Region.
He encouraged members to be dedicated and committed to the Amnesty International movement, adding that the organization is not for money making but voluntary work.
He explained the historical background of Amnesty International as a Global Movement that is geared towards defending the right of prisoners.
At the end of the meeting, elections were held that gave the Regional Chairmanship to Edward Amara Kai, the Vice Chairmanship went to Samuel Mambu, the position for the Regional Secretary and the Assistant Secretary went to Tamba E. Gekia and Mohamend Sannoh, Madam Patricia Garber became the Regional Treasurer, Lamin Kamara became the Financial Secretary, Wilfred Bona got the position of Regional Campaign and growth coordinator, Doris Kallon became the school clubs coordinator.
The position for the women’s leader and the Public Relation Officer One and two went to Jarahan Amara, Moses Gbondo and Joseph Samai.
The position of the National Youth nominee went to Jorahan Amara and the National Council nominees were Elkanah Magao, Baindu Brima and Bassie Brima.
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