Sierra Leone Commits to Protecting Persons of Concern

By Mohamed Sheriff

Press Attache’, Geneva, Switzerland

The Commissioner of the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), Ambassador Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina, has reaffirmed the Government of Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment to the protection of persons of concern and promoting durable peace and development solutions aligned with regional and global frameworks.

Speaking at the 76th Session of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Executive Committee (ExCom) in Geneva, Ambassador Ndomahina delivered a statement on behalf of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, Chair of ECOWAS, emphasizing the country’s leadership role in advancing protection of the rights of ‘persons on the move’ through regional cooperation.

“In these challenging time—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,” Ambassador Ndomahina said.

The Commissioner highlighted that Sierra Leone is actively pursuing durable solutions through both regional and national initiatives aimed at addressing protracted refugee situations, strengthening livelihoods, and supporting host communities.

Among the initiatives cited were the ECOWAS Free Movement and Migration Project, which aligns with the Global Compact for Migration, and supports the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5, 8, 10, and 16—focusing on gender equality, decent work, reduced inequalities, peace, justice, and strong institutions.

Ambassador Ndomahina further noted that Sierra Leone is enhancing its national asylum system through capacity building, operationalizing the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) framework, and adopting digital case management tools to improve efficiency. The government is also advancing the ratification of the Protocol on the Right to a Nationality to prevent statelessness.

Highlighting integration as a national priority, the Commissioner pointed to the Productive Social Safety Nets and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) program and the IOM-supported Cash Plus initiative as examples of how Sierra Leone is delivering livelihood support, education access, and protection for vulnerable adolescents, particularly in border communities.

“We are grateful for our partners’ support and call for enhanced technical assistance, stronger public-private partnerships, and investment in digital transformation and legal capacity building — especially as we confront climate vulnerabilities, limited budgets, and rising irregular migration,” he added.

Ambassador Ndomahina concluded by extending Sierra Leone’s gratitude to UNHCR and international partners for their continued collaboration, reaffirming the country’s steadfast commitment to global solidarity and shared responsibility in protecting displaced populations and asylum seekers, and fostering inclusive development.

Responding to the statement of Commissioner Ambassador Ndomahina, the High Commissioner, Mr. Filippo Grandi, commended the government of President Julius Maada Bio for safeguarding the fundamental rights of refugees through the implementation of national and international programs, and regional cooperation for refugees’ inclusion.

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Mohamed Sheriff

Information Attaché | Geneva, Switzerland