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Sierra Leone has reiterated its commitment to protecting displaced persons and advancing durable solutions at the 76th Session of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Executive Committee (ExCom) in Geneva.
Ambassador Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina, Commissioner of the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), spoke on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio, who currently chairs the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He emphasized Sierra Leone’s leadership role in safeguarding the rights of “persons on the move” through regional cooperation.
“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,” Ambassador Ndomahina stated.
The Commissioner highlighted Sierra Leone’s efforts to find durable solutions for refugees, including strengthening national asylum systems, operationalizing the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) framework, and adopting digital case management tools to improve efficiency. Sierra Leone is also moving towards ratifying the Protocol on the Right to a Nationality to prevent statelessness.
Ambassador Ndomahina cited national initiatives such as the Productive Social Safety Nets and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) program and the IOM-supported Cash Plus initiative, which provide livelihood support, education, and protection for vulnerable adolescents, particularly in border communities.
He also underscored regional initiatives, including the ECOWAS Free Movement and Migration Project, which aligns with the Global Compact for Migration and supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focusing on gender equality, decent work, reduced inequalities, and strong institutions.
“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,” Ambassador Ndomahina added.
Responding to Sierra Leone’s statement, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi praised the government for protecting refugees’ rights through national and regional programs and inclusive policies.
Sierra Leone’s interventions at UNHCR ExCom 2025 reflect the country’s continued commitment to global solidarity, protection of displaced populations, and fostering sustainable development.
