RESPONDENT'S CASE: The Respondent in its statement of defence expressly denied each and every allegation of facts contained in the Applicant's application dated 17th day of May, 2018. The Respondent stated that the Republic of Sierra Leone is committed to upholding human rights that is why it specifically guaranteed human rights in its constitution and prohibited discrimination. According to the Respondent, to advance the rights of pregnant girls and ensure they remained at school the State adopted a national strategy to address the issue. The Respondent added that the Ebola outbreak was responsible for the closure of schools. The Respondent stated further that soon after the Ebola disease was contained, it was discovered that there had been upsurge in the number of teenage pregnant girls. The Respondent says that it established separate schools for girls who have become pregnant to cater for their obvious fragile situation. The Respondent further stated that the statement by the then Minister of Education, Science and Technology was an isolated case and his statement was immediately reversed by the government of the Respondent. It, therefore, urged the court to discountenance the application of the Applicant. On the 27/06/19, the parties were represented in Court and were afforded opportunity to present their respective cases which they did by adopting all processes filed by them. The counsel for the Amicus Curiae was also granted opportunity to expatiate on the Amicus brief and the case was adjourned for judgment PRELIMINARY OBJECTION:

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