By: Saidu Jalloh
The Honourable Mrs. Melrose Karminty, who is currently representing Sierra Leone in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has told world leaders that Sierra Leone stands in solidarity with the affected communities as a nation that values peace, unity, and cooperation.
The Honourable Minister was speaking at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in coordination with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on 26th October 2024.
The conference is a platform to raise awareness of the displacement and asylum crisis in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions and mobilize financial resources for the immediate humanitarian response to this crisis and any future challenges. The honorable Mrs. Melrose Karminty told the gathering that in recent years, the world has witnessed an alarming escalation in conflict and instability in these regions, leading to the forced displacement of millions of refugees.
She said that as a nation that values peace, unity, and cooperation, Sierra Leone recognizes their immense challenges: loss of homes, livelihoods, and the fundamental right to live with dignity. She furthered that the Government of Sierra Leone unequivocally praises this donor conference and its significance in mobilizing resources and fostering collaboration among nations, adding that it is a powerful reminder that they are not alone in this endeavor and that together, they can make a difference.
“As we gather here, let us remember that we are not just addressing statistics or abstract concepts; we are speaking for real people, mothers, fathers, and children who deserve our protection,” the minister stressed.
She continued that they must ensure that the discussions they have to translate into actionable commitments that bring relief and hope to those in despair. Minister Karminty further expressed profound appreciation to the OIC, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid, and Relief Centre, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency for their bold steps in bringing countries and communities together to tackle the crisis of displacement and refuge. She said their efforts symbolize hope, compassion, and the spirit of solidarity our world desperately needs.
She concluded by encouraging all donor nations, international organizations, and stakeholders to contribute generously to this cause, assuring that together, they should forge a path toward stability, peace, and prosperity for the displaced and vulnerable in the Sahel and Lake Chad region.
