The complainants stated that they were not happy with the nomenclature, “chronically ill and mentally imbalanced”, which they considered to be inappropriate, and as a result, they cannot secure jobs with potential civil employers.

They also complained that some of them were initially under the category of “Wounded in Action” (WIA), but they were later placed in the “chronically ill and mentally imbalanced” category hence got less benefit when they were laid off.

They claimed that they were forced to take a medical check up only to be later categorized as chronically and mentally imbalanced and that they felt disowned by their former employers considering the type of service they have rendered to their country. They stated that they viewed the action of their authorities as unfortunate and for failing to adequately articulate the breakdown of their discharge package.

According to the Senior Human Rights officer, Mohamed T. Fofanah, a resolution was met for a public hearing in accordance with the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone’s Complaints, Investigations and Inquiries Rules, 2008 (CII Rules), when all avenues of resolution dictated by the CII Rules 2008 (Mediation and Conciliation) had failed.

He stated that the hearing would be conducted in line with Rule 42 of the CII Rules 2008, which prescribes how such hearings should be carried out.

Fofanah pointed out that The Commission’s panel will have the powers of the high court but that the panel will observe the rules of natural justice and would not be bound by any legal or technical rules of evidence applicable to proceedings before the courts and all investigations and proceedings shall be conducted informally but with fairness to both parties.