The Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone (HRDN-SL) expresses concern over the Resolution adopted by Parliament on 5 November 2026 banning all sign-out celebrations in schools, colleges and universities across Sierra Leone.

The motion, moved by Deputy Majority Leader Hon. Bashiru Silikie and seconded by Minority Whip Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, prohibits activities associated with sign-out celebrations, including writing on white T-shirts, parades, loud music and processions following final examinations. It further directs the Ministries of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) and Technical and Higher Education to enforce the ban with disciplinary measures against violators.

HRDN-SL recognises Parliament’s stated concerns regarding examination integrity, student discipline, public safety and the need to ensure a safe learning environment. These are legitimate concerns that deserve attention. However, a blanket prohibition on all sign-out celebrations is a disproportionate response that risks unduly restricting the rights and freedoms of children and young people.

SIGN-OUT CELEBRATIONS: RECOGNISING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

For many students, sign-out celebrations represent more than an opportunity to socialise. They mark the completion of an important educational milestone following years of academic effort, personal sacrifice and perseverance. For some, particularly first-generation learners, these celebrations provide an opportunity to publicly recognise an achievement that is deeply significant to them and their families.

While sign-out celebrations are not without challenges, including inappropriate behaviour, harassment, disruption to public order and other misconduct, these concerns should be addressed through proportionate safeguards and responsible regulation rather than a blanket prohibition.

HRDN-SL is particularly concerned that the Resolution appears to have been adopted without meaningful consultation with students, student representative bodies and other affected stakeholders. Young people should have an opportunity to participate in decisions that directly affect their lives, education and expression.

HUMAN RIGHTS IMPLICATIONS

The Resolution impacts fundamental rights:

• Constitutional rights: sections 25, 26 and 27 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone protect freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, and protection against discrimination, respectively. These constitutional protections are relevant to students, who do not lose their fundamental rights within educational institutions. Any restrictions must be justified in accordance with the Constitution.
• Children’s right to leisure and cultural participation: 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 recognise the rights of children under 18 to rest and leisure, recreation, play and participation in cultural and artistic life. These rights are relevant to school sign-out celebrations, which provide children with an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and participate in shared cultural activities.

While Parliament may legitimately seek to protect students and maintain public order, restrictions on fundamental rights must be necessary and proportionate to the objectives pursued. A blanket prohibition raises the question of whether the same objectives could be achieved through less restrictive measures. HRDN-SL believes they can.

Concerns about vulgar inscriptions, alcohol consumption, road blockages, harassment and other inappropriate conduct can be addressed through clear rules, appropriate supervision, effective safeguarding measures and proportionate disciplinary responses. Such misconduct should not be used to justify prohibiting all students from peacefully celebrating their academic achievements.

CONCERNS ABOUT ENFORCEMENT AND POTENTIAL ABUSES

HRDN-SL is also concerned about the potential consequences of enforcing a blanket prohibition without clear guidelines, safeguards and accountability mechanisms.

In particular, enforcement could disproportionality affect:

• Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, who may be particularly vulnerable to demands for unofficial payments, fines or other forms of extortion.
• Female students, who may face sexual harassment, intimidation and body-shaming during enforcement or in less regulated settings if celebrations are displaced outside school environments.
• Students in rural and underserved communities, where broad enforcement discretion and limited oversight could increase the risk of arbitrary or inconsistent disciplinary action.

Without clear parameters governing enforcement, the Resolution could create opportunities for arbitrary punishment, intimidation, extortion and other abuses. Measures intended to promote discipline and safety must also respect human rights, dignity and due process.

HRDN-SL’S RECOMMENDATIONS: REGULATE, DON’T BAN

HRDN-SL calls on Parliament, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and the Ministry of Technical and Higher Education to reconsider the blanket prohibition and work with students and other stakeholders to develop a practical, rights-respecting regulatory framework.

HRDN-SL recommends the following measures:

1. Prioritise dialogue and consultation: Convene 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. Students must have a meaningful voice in shaping the regulations that govern their celebrations.
2. Develop a regulated sign-out framework: Permit appropriately organised sign-out celebrations within agreed parameters, including designated venues, approved times, responsible supervision and clear rules prohibiting alcohol, vulgar or offensive inscriptions, harassment, road blockages and activities that disrupt public order. Schools and institutions should be empowered to establish context-specific arrangements in consultation with students.
3. Ensure rights-respecting enforcement: Establish clear guidelines prohibiting arbitrary arrest, physical punishment, intimidation and disproportionate disciplinary measures against students engaging in peaceful celebrations. Where misconduct occurs, disciplinary responses should be fair, proportionate and, where appropriate, restorative rather than punitive.
4. Strengthen safeguarding and protection: Introduce effective measures to prevent and respond to sexual harassment, non-consensual touching, intimidation and the unauthorised filming or distribution of images of students. Accessible and confidential reporting mechanisms should be made available, with particular attention to the protection of female students and children.
5. Promote positive alternatives: Encourage schools, colleges and universities to organise official sign-out, graduation, thanksgiving and other recognition ceremonies that allow students to celebrate their achievements in safe and inclusive environments. Such initiatives should also recognise the achievements of beneficiaries of the Free Quality School Education (FQSE) programme.

A CALL TO STUDENTS

HRDN-SL also calls on students to exercise their rights responsibly and demonstrate consideration for others during celebrations. All students are encouraged to:

• Avoid vulgar, offensive or discriminatory inscriptions on clothing and other materials.
• Refrain from alcohol and drug consumption, blocking roads and disturbing public services, including access to hospitals.
• Respect teachers, parents, fellow students and members of the public.
• Report instances of abuse, intimidation or unlawful treatment to the appropriate authorities and human rights organisations, including HRDN-SL.

HRDN-SL reiterates that promoting discipline, protecting students and respecting their fundamental rights are not competing objectives. Sierra Leone can and should achieve all three.

Students should be able to celebrate their achievements without compromising their safety, dignity or the rights of others. The appropriate response to misconduct is effective regulation and accountability, not the blanket prohibition of peaceful celebrations.

A nation that seeks to inspire its young people to build a better future must also recognise and celebrate their achievements.

“Celebrate safely. Protect rights. Preserve dignity.”