Freetown, 19 August 2015 - The UN Country Team (UNCT) in Sierra Leone is shocked by the report that an 18-year-old girl, Hannah Bockarie, was brutally raped and murdered on 13 August 2015 at Lumley Beach, Freetown.  The UNCT condemns this horrendous act in the strongest terms and it calls on the Sierra Leone Government to conduct a prompt, thorough and independent investigation into the girl’s death and to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.

The UN Team conveys it heartfelt sympathy to Hannah’s mother and family.

The UN recalls that sexual assault against women, especially gang rape, was rampant during the 1991-2002 civil war in Sierra Leone.  The UNCT is also cognizant of the fact that the Government of Sierra Leone passed legislation in 2007 making the sexual abuse of women a criminal act.  

Read the full statement from the United Nations Country Team in Sierra Leone