Sierra Leone’s diplomatic mission abroad is facing questions after a teenage girl who said she was trafficked out of the country alleged that she was denied assistance when she sought help at the embassy, according to local media reports.
The girl, whose identity has not been disclosed because of her age, told journalists that she approached the Sierra Leone embassy after finding herself stranded overseas but was allegedly turned away without support, the Salone Messengers news outlet reported.
The case has sparked public concern and renewed scrutiny of how Sierra Leone’s foreign missions handle vulnerable citizens, particularly minors and victims of trafficking, abroad.
Human rights advocates say embassies play a critical role in protecting nationals facing exploitation and distress outside their home countries and have called for a transparent review of the incident.
Officials at the Sierra Leone Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassy concerned had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.
Sierra Leone is both a source and transit country for human trafficking, according to international organisations, and the government has pledged to strengthen victim protection and consular support.
