Sierra Leone Strengthens Commitment To Refugee Rights & Protection

he Government of Sierra Leone, represented by the Commissioner of the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), Ambassador Ernest Ndomahina, has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing the rights and protections of refugees, displaced persons, and asylum seekers. Speaking on behalf of His Excellency Brig. (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio, Ambassador Ndomahina expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its Multi-Country Office in Dakar, Senegal.

Ambassador Ndomahina emphasized the importance of this collaboration in advancing efforts to address displacement and statelessness issues.
He conveyed President Bio’s commitment to continuing the partnership with UNHCR to safeguard the rights of vulnerable populations in Sierra Leone.

A key highlight of the address was the proposed amendment to the Refugee Protection Act of 2007. These amendments aim to bring the legislation in line with international standards, creating a more robust legal framework for the protection of refugees and asylum seekers. NaCSA is advocating for the inclusion of this amendment in the national budget, which would also establish a roadmap for the sustainable phase-out of refugee programs in Sierra Leone.

The NaCSA Commissioner stated that this roadmap will strengthen the country’s asylum system and ensure the full implementation of the National Action Plan on Statelessness by 2025/26. This plan seeks to close legal loopholes that could render individuals stateless and ensure their rights and integration into Sierra Leonean society.

Additionally, Sierra Leone has received substantial support from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Risk Reduction Unit. ECOWAS has approved USD 287,893.50 from a broader fund of USD 575,787 to finance humanitarian assistance projects aimed at supporting refugees and host communities in lieu of the ‘Tenki Salon’ initiative that is mainly infrastructural. This program focuses on improving the livelihoods of refugees while strengthen their resilience against shocks.

Ambassador Ndomahina noted that NaCSA, in collaboration with UNHCR, continues to monitor refugees at risk of statelessness. Recently, two locally integrated Malian and Sudanese refugees were issued National Identity Cards (NIN), granting them access to essential services and freedom of movement, similar to that of Sierra Leonean citizens.

Despite these positive steps, Sierra Leone faces challenges in encouraging refugees to opt for durable solutions such as local integration or voluntary repatriation, which could lead to citizenship under ECOWAS regulations. Many refugees remain hesitant to take up these options.

In an effort to empower refugees, NaCSA has trained some refugees as data enumerators under the Productive Social Safety Nets and Youth Employment Economic Inclusion (PSSNYE-EI) project. One of these trained refugees has secured a position within NaCSA’s volunteer service, and efforts are ongoing to connect others with job opportunities through partnerships with government ministries and NGOs.

In response, the High Commissioner, Mr. Filippo Grandi, commended the government of Sierra Leone for safeguarding the fundamental human rights of refugees through the implementation of national and international laws and programs. He pledged his organisational support for effective and efficient service delivery at local and international levels.