Ambassadors Ndomahina Reaffirms Sierra Leone’s Commitment to Protecting Persons of Concern and Promoting Durable Solutions at UNHCR Executive Committee...

*Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, 7 October 2025 —*

The Commissioner of the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), Ambassador Ernest Mbaimba Ndomahina, has reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s strong commitment to protecting persons of concern, advancing durable peace, and ensuring sustainable development for displaced and vulnerable populations.

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 Sierra Leone’s leadership and proactive role in regional migration and protection frameworks.

“*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 declared.*

The Commissioner outlined Sierra Leone’s comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of refugees, returnees, and asylum seekers—through strategic policies that link protection, resilience, and development.

He underscored that Sierra Leone is actively implementing durable solutions through regional and national frameworks, including the ECOWAS Free Movement and Migration Project, which aligns with the Global Compact for Migration and supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to gender equality, decent work, reduced inequalities, and strong institutions.

Ambassador Ndomahina further noted that the Government of Sierra Leone, through NaCSA, is strengthening its national asylum and refugee management systems by operationalizing the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) framework, building institutional capacity, and introducing digital case management tools to enhance efficiency and transparency in service delivery.

He emphasized that the government is also advancing the ratification of the Protocol on the Right to a Nationality, underscoring Sierra Leone’s resolve to prevent statelessness and ensure that every person enjoys the right to identity and belonging.

Highlighting integration and empowerment as central to national development priorities, Ambassador Ndomahina cited programs such as the Productive Social Safety Nets and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) and the IOM-supported Cash Plus initiative, which are providing livelihood opportunities, educational access, and protection for vulnerable adolescents and border communities.

“**We are grateful for the continued support of our partners,” he said. “But we also call for enhanced technical assistance, stronger public-private partnerships, and greater investment in digital transformation and legal capacity building—especially as we navigate climate vulnerabilities, fiscal constraints, and rising migration pressures.”*

Ambassador Ndomahina reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s steadfast commitment to global solidarity and shared responsibility, emphasizing that protection and inclusion of displaced persons remain integral to the country’s national development agenda and its contribution to regional stability.

In his response, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Filippo Grandi, commended the Government of Sierra Leone under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio for championing refugee protection and inclusion through effective national programs and regional collaboration.

Ambassador Ndomahina concluded his statement by expressing appreciation to UNHCR and international partners for their continued collaboration, reiterating Sierra Leone’s dedication to promoting peace, dignity, and opportunity for all persons of concern.

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