The workshop aimed at enhancing the involvement of Sierra Leonean Diaspora groups and organizations in the protection of their fellow nationals abroad in both the country of destination experiencing a crisis and in the country of origin (Sierra Leone) upon return.
The event, which was held at Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel Freetown from 13th to 14th September, brought together Government agencies including representatives of ODA, the Ministry of Political and Public Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Labour, the Immigration Department, the Office of National Security, Freetown City Council, the Parliamentary oversight committee on Political and Public Affairs and diaspora organizations.
Through group works and plenary discussions, participants have increased their awareness of migrants’ specific vulnerabilities, needs and resilience throughout crises. In addressing the core objective of the training session, participants were introduced to frameworks, tools and best practices for engaging Diaspora organizations in crisis preparation, response and post-crisis actions.
According to the Director of Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Kallay Musa Conteh, the workshop marked a significant step forward in the state agencies’ understanding of the critical role of diaspora in informing crisis management efforts, and most essentially, the protection of Sierra Leoneans migrants stranded in crisis-stricken countries.
The successful event was closed with awards of certificates to the participants by members of the IMPCD team.
