Refugees Protection Act, 2007
An Act providing for the protection of refugees in Sierra Leone and giving effect to international refugee law.
Summary
The Refugees Protection Act, 2007 provides the legal framework for the protection of refugees and asylum seekers in Sierra Leone, giving domestic effect to the country's obligations under the international and African refugee conventions.
The Act defines who is a refugee, provides for the determination of refugee status and the body responsible for it, and sets out the rights and duties of refugees and the principle of non-refoulement (not returning refugees to danger). It provides for the reception and treatment of asylum seekers and refugees and for related administration. It reflects Sierra Leone's own experience of displacement during the conflict.
Main provisions
- Defines who qualifies as a refugee.
- Provides for the determination of refugee status.
- Establishes the principle of non-refoulement.
- Sets out the rights and duties of refugees and asylum seekers.
- Provides for their reception and treatment and related administration.
- Gives effect to international and African refugee conventions.