Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Sierra Leone’s Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, has issued an urgent call for international support to aid Sierra Leonean migrants affected by the ongoing conflict in Lebanon. Speaking at a high-profile migration conference in Addis Ababa, Swaray emphasized the growing risks facing his country’s citizens amid the deteriorating security situation.

The minister made his appeal during the 2024 Regional Review of the Implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration in Africa, held from October 8th to 10th. Addressing representatives from across the continent, Swaray underscored the plight of female Sierra Leonean migrants, many of whom are now trapped in Lebanon due to escalating violence linked to regional tensions.

"The condition of these women is deeply concerning to the Government of Sierra Leone," Swaray remarked. "They are living in vulnerable, dangerous circumstances, crying out for help. It is both a moral and humanitarian imperative that we act swiftly to bring them to safety."

Minister Swaray appealed to member states of the Global Compact for Migration, along with development partners, to rally behind Sierra Leone's efforts to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon. "We urge the international community to stand in solidarity with us and provide the necessary resources for a safe and timely evacuation," he added.

The minister stressed the importance of safeguarding the dignity, rights, and well-being of all migrants, particularly those caught in life-threatening situations. "This is a shared responsibility. Let us take action before the situation worsens," Swaray urged.

The conference, which brought together African leaders, policymakers, and migration experts, focused on advancing regional cooperation to ensure safer and more orderly migration processes. Minister Swaray’s passionate plea highlighted the urgent need for collective action in times of crisis, especially to protect vulnerable migrant populations.

The situation of Sierra Leonean migrants in Lebanon remains a pressing issue, and the government is counting on swift international assistance to bring these individuals back home safely.