By Mohamed Kamara
On Monday, March 25, 2024, the Complaint Department of the Human Rights Commission Sierra Leone hosted members of the Network of Ex-Asylum Seekers Sierra Leone, located at 54 Wellington Street, Freetown. The discussions primarily focused on the recent surge in deportations of Sierra Leoneans and the urgent need for a national policy, approved by parliament, aimed at providing financial assistance, moral support, and adequate counseling services to combat stigmatization and facilitate their integration into society.
In her address, Madam Sigratu Kargbo, a legal practitioner at the Human Rights Commission Complaint Office, emphasized that the Human Rights Commission Sierra Leone was established to champion justice, equality, freedom, and liberty for all individuals, without any form of discrimination based on color, race, ethnicity, or religious affiliation. She underscored that the HRC serves as a beacon of hope for the voiceless, providing them with a platform to voice their concerns in society. Madam Kargbo affirmed the HRC’s commitment to assisting the Network of Ex-Asylum Seekers Sierra Leone in their mission to support deportees upon their return home. She stressed the HRC’s role as a mediator to ensure deportees are treated humanely and not overwhelmed by stress. To achieve this, she proposed closer collaboration between the HRC and Neas S/L to establish modalities for a potential national policy for deportees. Additionally, she acknowledged the financial challenges faced by Sierra Leoneans and the misconceptions surrounding human trafficking, distinguishing it from voluntary deportation, which often violates fundamental human rights.
In response, Mr. Abdulai Daramy, the National Coordinator of the Network of Ex-Asylum Seekers S/L, expressed gratitude for the HRC’s support, particularly in advocacy efforts and initial consultations for a national policy to address longstanding challenges. Mr. Daramy highlighted their outreach efforts in the South, East, and Northern regions, where they engaged stakeholders in constructive discussions on the proposed national policy. He emphasized that contributions from participants reflected a unified perspective on policy matters.
Mr. Daramy also raised concerns about a new policy known as “Push-Back” implemented by the Belgian Immigration Department, which resulted in the deportation of non-Sierra Leoneans to Sierra Leone rather than their countries of origin. While the involvement of local authorities in this policy remains unconfirmed, Mr. Daramy noted its detrimental impact on the financial, moral, and social well-being of deportees. He appealed to the HRC to investigate the legal framework surrounding this policy. Additionally, he called for increased public support, emphasizing the unpredictability of future victims
