By Josephine Sesay
At the 76th Session of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Executive Committee (ExCom) in Geneva, Sierra Leone reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting displaced populations and advancing durable solutions for persons of concern.
Delivering a statement on behalf of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, who also serves as Chair of ECOWAS, Ambassador Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina, Commissioner of the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), emphasized Sierra Leone’s continued dedication to upholding the rights and dignity of “people on the move, amid growing global challenges including conflict, climate change, and forced displacement.
In these challenging times, marked by conflict, climate shocks, and displacement, we are reminded of our collective duty to protect the rights and dignity of people on the move, said Ambassador Ndomahina.
The Ambassador outlined Sierra Leone’s key national and regional initiatives designed to promote long-term protection and inclusion for refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons. He underscored the country’s alignment with international frameworks, including the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The ECOWAS Free Movement and Migration Project, which supports regional mobility and contributes to SDGs 5 Gender Equality, 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, 10 Reduced Inequalities, and 16 Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
National asylum system reforms, including the operationalization of the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) framework, deployment of digital case management tools, and capacity-building efforts to enhance institutional efficiency.
Ratification of the Protocol on the Right to a Nationality, aimed at preventing statelessness across West Africa.
Ambassador Ndomahina further emphasized Sierra Leone’s commitment to integration and social inclusion for vulnerable populations, especially those in border communities. Through initiatives such as the Productive Social Safety Nets and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) and the Cash Plus program supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) the government continues to provide education, protection, and livelihood support to marginalized youth and families.
He also called for greater international collaboration, appealing for technical assistance, digital innovation, legal capacity building, and stronger public-private partnerships to bolster Sierra Leone’s migration management and humanitarian response systems. He noted that the nation continues to face financial constraints and environmental vulnerabilities that exacerbate displacement challenges.
In his response, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi commended President Bio’s administration for its proactive measures to safeguard refugee rights and strengthen regional cooperation. He particularly praised the government’s efforts to advance refugee inclusion through both policy development and practical implementation.
Ambassador Ndomahina concluded by expressing Sierra Leone’s appreciation to UNHCR and other international partners for their ongoing collaboration.
“We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to global solidarity and shared responsibility in protecting displaced populations and asylum seekers, while fostering inclusive and sustainable development,” he stated.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 10th October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
