MISPLACED PRIORITY!
…HRDN-SL SLAMS PARLIAMENT
By Ibrahim Alusine Kamara (Kamalo)
The Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone (HRDN-SL) has strongly challenged Parliament’s controversial decision to ban sign-out celebrations in schools, colleges and universities across the country, describing the blanket prohibition as disproportionate and potentially harmful to the fundamental rights and freedoms of students.
In a strongly worded press release issued on Tuesday, 10th November 2026, the human rights organisation called on Parliament and the relevant education authorities to reconsider the resolution, warning that its enforcement could expose students to arbitrary punishment, intimidation, harassment, extortion and other forms of abuse.
The parliamentary resolution, adopted on 5th November 2026, followed a motion moved by Deputy Majority Leader Hon. Bashiru Silikie Koroma and seconded by Minority Whip Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara. It prohibits activities traditionally associated with sign-out celebrations, including writing on white T-shirts, street parades, loud music and processions following final examinations.
The resolution further directs the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education to enforce the prohibition, with disciplinary measures against students who violate it.
However, HRDN-SL argues that although concerns about student misconduct, public safety, examination integrity and discipline are legitimate, completely outlawing sign-out celebrations is an excessive response to problems that could be addressed through proper regulation and supervision.
According to the organisation, sign-out celebrations represent an important educational milestone for thousands of students who have endured years of academic struggles, financial difficulties and personal sacrifices to complete their studies.
It maintained that such celebrations are particularly significant for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and families where educational achievement represents a major breakthrough.
The rights group expressed serious concern that Parliament appeared to have adopted the resolution without meaningful consultation with students, student representative bodies and other stakeholders directly affected by the decision.
HRDN-SL further questioned the human rights implications of the ban, citing Sections 25, 26 and 27 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone, which protect freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, and protection against discrimination, respectively.
The organisation also referenced Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Article 12 of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, which recognise children’s rights to leisure, recreation and participation in cultural activities.
It argued that students do not surrender their constitutional rights simply because they are enrolled in educational institutions, insisting that restrictions on such freedoms must be necessary, justified and proportionate.
Particularly troubling, according to HRDN-SL, is the possibility that the blanket prohibition could create opportunities for abuse during enforcement, especially against female students, economically disadvantaged learners and those in rural communities.
The organisation warned that poorly regulated enforcement could expose vulnerable students to unofficial fines, extortion, sexual harassment, intimidation, body-shaming and arbitrary disciplinary action.
It stressed that measures intended to promote discipline and public safety must not become instruments for violating students’ dignity and fundamental rights.
Rather than maintaining the outright ban, HRDN-SL has called for a national dialogue within 14 days involving the National Union of Sierra Leone Students (NUSS), Student Representative Councils, parents, school administrators, the National Commission for Children and other relevant stakeholders.
The proposed consultations, according to the organisation, should produce a comprehensive regulatory framework allowing students to celebrate their academic achievements under clearly defined conditions.
Such arrangements could include designated celebration venues, approved times, institutional supervision and strict prohibitions against alcohol consumption, offensive inscriptions, harassment, road blockages and other activities capable of disrupting public order.
HRDN-SL also urged the authorities to establish clear enforcement guidelines prohibiting arbitrary arrests, physical punishment, intimidation and disproportionate disciplinary measures against students participating in peaceful celebrations.
The organisation further recommended stronger safeguards against sexual harassment, non-consensual touching and the unauthorised recording or circulation of students’ images, particularly those involving female students and children.
It encouraged educational institutions to introduce officially supervised sign-out ceremonies, graduation programmes, thanksgiving services and other recognition activities that would allow students to celebrate responsibly without compromising public safety.
While challenging Parliament’s decision, HRDN-SL equally cautioned students against abusing their freedoms through indecent behaviour, drug and alcohol consumption, public disturbances, harassment and disrespect towards teachers, parents and members of the public.
The organisation maintained that responsible celebrations and effective discipline are not mutually exclusive, insisting that Sierra Leone can protect students, maintain public order and respect constitutional freedoms simultaneously.
“Students should be able to celebrate their achievements without compromising their safety, dignity or the rights of others,” the organisation stated, stressing that misconduct should attract appropriate sanctions rather than collective punishment.
The intervention by HRDN-SL has added a human rights dimension to the growing debate over Parliament’s decision, raising questions about whether the authorities should prioritise an outright prohibition or adopt a more balanced approach that protects both public order and students’ freedoms.
As the education authorities move towards implementing the parliamentary resolution, attention will now turn to whether lawmakers will reconsider the decision and accommodate the concerns raised by the human rights organisation.
For HRDN-SL, the message remains unequivocal: “Celebrate safely. Protect rights. Preserve dignity.”
The organisation insists that a country committed to empowering its young people must not only demand discipline and responsibility from them but must also recognise their achievements and protect their fundamental rights.
