HRDN-SL Raises Concern Over Parliament’s Ban on Student Sign-Out Celebrations

The Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone (HRDN-SL) has raised concerns over Parliament’s resolution banning sign-out celebrations in schools, colleges and universities across the country, calling for regulation rather than an outright prohibition.

According to HRDN-SL, the resolution, adopted by Parliament on 5 November 2026, prohibits activities associated with sign-out celebrations, including writing on white T-shirts, parades, loud music and processions following final examinations. It also directs the Ministries of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and Technical and Higher Education to enforce the ban through disciplinary measures against violators.

While acknowledging Parliament’s concerns about examination integrity, student discipline and public safety, the human rights organisation argues that a blanket ban is a disproportionate response that could restrict the rights and freedoms of children and young people.

HRDN-SL maintains that sign-out celebrations provide students with an opportunity to recognise their academic achievements after years of hard work and personal sacrifice. It says concerns about misconduct, harassment, road blockages and disruption to public order should instead be addressed through appropriate safeguards and regulation.

The organisation has also questioned the process leading to the adoption of the resolution, expressing concern that students, their representative bodies and other affected stakeholders were not meaningfully consulted.

Citing constitutional provisions and international human rights instruments, HRDN-SL argues that students retain their fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and assembly, and that restrictions on these rights must be necessary and proportionate.

The organisation has called on Parliament and the relevant ministries to reconsider the blanket prohibition and establish a regulatory framework that would allow properly organised sign-out celebrations under agreed conditions.

Among its recommendations is a national dialogue involving the National Union of Sierra Leone Students, student representative councils, parents, school administrators and other stakeholders within 14 days.

It has also proposed designated venues, approved celebration times, responsible supervision and clear rules against alcohol consumption, offensive inscriptions, harassment and activities that disrupt public order.

HRDN-SL further called for safeguards against arbitrary punishment, intimidation and extortion during enforcement, as well as measures to protect students, particularly female students, from harassment and other forms of abuse.

The organisation has also encouraged schools and tertiary institutions to consider official sign-out, graduation and recognition ceremonies as safer alternatives for celebrating students’ achievements.

HRDN-SL urged students to exercise their rights responsibly, respect others and avoid activities that could endanger public safety.

It maintains that promoting discipline, protecting students and respecting their fundamental rights should not be treated as competing objectives, insisting that misconduct should be addressed through effective regulation and accountability rather than a blanket ban.