ARTICLE 22

In the pursuit of the reconstruction, rehabilitation and socio-economic development of Sierra Leone as a matter of the utmost priority, special attention shall be given to rural and urban poor areas, war victims, disabled persons and other vulnerable groups. The Government in conjunction with the Committee for Demobilization and Resettlement shall cooperate with all political parties and movements, including the RUF/SL, to raise resources internationally for these objectives during the initial phase of the consolidation of peace.

ARTICLE 23

The Government shall do all in its power to mobilize resources internally and externally to meet the needs of post-war reconstruction and socio-economic development.

ARTICLE 26

It is recognized that there is a socio-economic dimension to the conflict which must also be addressed in order to consolidate the foundation of the peace. Accordingly, the socio-economic policy of Sierra Leone shall be guided among other things, by the following principles, taking into account available resources:

(i) Enhancement of the nation’s productive capacity through meaningful grassroots participation in the reconstruction and development of the country;

(ii) The provision of equal opportunities to all Sierra Leoneans especially those in the countryside and the urban poor, with the aim of equitable distribution of the nation’s resources thereby empowering them to contribute effectively to decision-making and implementation of policies which affect their lives;

(iii) Improving the quality of life of the people through the provision of inter alia,

a. Primary health care in all villages and towns;

b. Affordable and quality housing, especially in the countryside and

poor urban areas;

c. Improved educational services to enable all children of primary and junior-secondary school age to receive free and compulsory schooling as well as provide the opportunity for the youth and

all other Sierra Leoneans to receive affordable quality education;

d. Clean drinking water and a sewerage system in every village and town;

e. Provide job opportunities in a systematic and sustainable way for the people, especially the youth;

f. Promote and sustain rural development and support agriculture in terms of technical, credit and marketing facilities;

g. Provide support for production and provision of basic food and nutritional requirements of the people and food security in general;

h. Protect the environment and regulate the exploitation of natural resources in the interest of the people, as well as prohibit monopolies;

i. Provide the required infrastructure such as roads, transport and communications, energy and rural electrification, for improved living conditions, especially of the rural people;

j. Seek to obtain debt relief in order to transfer funds from debt servicing to meet the urgent requirements of rebuilding a war torn society.

ARTICLE 27

A broad-based socio-economic forum, in which the RUF/SL shall participate, shall be established with a view to enriching policy formulation and execution in the socio-economic sector.