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On September 17, 2024, a U.S. Department of Labor delegation visited Sierra Leone, led by the Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy, to meet with Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, Hon. Mohamed Rahman Swaray.
The visit aimed to strengthen the partnership between the two nations in combating child labor, particularly its worst forms.
Minister Swaray emphasized Sierra Leone’s commitment to eradicating child labor and improving labor conditions, noting the importance of international cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor.
The U.S. delegation expressed their commitment to providing technical assistance to enhance Sierra Leone’s labor inspection systems and uphold labor standards, stressing the need for global collaboration to effectively combat child labor.
Discussions also covered broader areas, including workforce development, with both sides recognizing the importance of vocational training to equip Sierra Leonean youth with skills for sustainable employment in sectors like agriculture, construction, and services.
Strengthening these programs is seen as crucial to reducing child labor and offering youth better economic opportunities.
Minister Swaray highlighted that the partnership with the U.S. goes beyond child labor to include fostering youth employment and enforcing labor laws.
The U.S. delegation echoed these sentiments, with plans to enhance technical support for labor inspection and compliance efforts in Sierra Leone.
This visit marks a new chapter in the partnership, with both nations committed to ending child labor and promoting long-term economic growth through workforce development.
