AYV News, October 15, 2024
At a high-level migration conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, made an urgent appeal for international support to assist Sierra Leonean migrants currently trapped in Lebanon due to the escalating conflict in the region.
Speaking at the 2024 Regional Review of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration in Africa, Minister Swaray underscored the dire situation facing Sierra Leonean women stranded in Lebanon as the conflict worsens.
The conference, held from October 8 to 10, brought together leaders and representatives from across the continent to review progress and challenges in implementing the Global Compact for Migration.
During his address, Minister Swaray highlighted the growing security concerns in Lebanon, where many Sierra Leonean female domestic workers have found themselves in vulnerable conditions amid the ongoing Israeli-Lebanon war.
“The safety and well-being of our citizens must be a priority,” Swaray emphasized, calling on the international community and development partners to take immediate action.
“These women are facing unimaginable hardships, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure their safe return.”
Minister Swaray’s call for action was particularly focused on the need for swift evacuation and humanitarian assistance for the stranded migrants.
He urged partner countries under the Global Compact for Migration to stand with Sierra Leone in this critical moment, stressing the importance of international solidarity to protect the dignity and rights of all migrants in conflict zones.
“As the situation continues to deteriorate, the risks to these women are increasing. We cannot afford to wait. The time to act is now, before the crisis deepens,” Swaray warned.
The minister’s plea reflects the Sierra Leonean government’s broader concern for its citizens abroad, particularly those caught in conflict zones, and highlights the need for coordinated international efforts to address the challenges faced by migrants in distress.
