UN Representative Says Paramount Chiefs Are Importance In Development

The United Nations Secretary-General’s Executive Representative and head of United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL), Jens Anders Toyberg-Frandzen, said during the National Council of Paramount Chiefs - Sierra Leone (NCPC-SL) National Meeting of Chiefs on the Constitutional Review Process held in Kenema, Southern District, that the UN recognises their role. “The UN recognizes the important role you played as leaders during the war, and especially for your work in helping to lay the foundations for the peace Sierra Leone enjoys today. The President has encouraged participation in this national Constitutional Review process, and emphasized the importance of inclusiveness at every step, and at all levels. The Constitution is owned by and applies to all citizens of Sierra Leone, equally. This needs to be understood by everyone to whom the constitution applies,” he said. Toyberg-Frandzen said their influence as Paramount Chiefs, for the promotion of social justice, especially in peace and conflict prevention is unquestioned. “The constitutional review process offers a perfect opportunity to consolidate and safeguard Sierra Leone’s hard-won gains over the years. Therefore, the Constitutional Review process itself, if managed well, will strengthen the culture of democracy, and help to develop a tradition of the rule of law and meaningful participation in decision-making,” he reiterated. He said the Constitutional Review Process is a unique opportunity for voices to be heard, adding that stakeholders are being engaged and mobilized to take part, but implored them that it is also recognized that, for the participation of groups of stakeholders to be effective, it needs to be well-informed and coordinated. Over 100 Paramount Chiefs gathered to discuss the importance of reviewing the constitution as well as their own role in ensuring an in

clusive, non-politicized and peaceful process from 28 to 30 January 2014 in Kenema.