By: Aminata Sesay
The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone has intensified calls for stronger regional collaboration to address migration challenges and human trafficking following a high-level meeting with the Mano River Union (MRU) Secretariat in Freetown.
The engagement, led by HRCSL Executive Secretary Joseph Kamara, brought together senior MRU officials, including Secretary-General Ambassador Simeon M-B. Moribah. Both institutions explored pathways to formalize cooperation on cross-border human rights issues.
Discussions focused on the growing complexity of migration and human trafficking within the Mano River Union region. Participants acknowledged that isolated national responses are no longer sufficient to address what have become increasingly transnational challenges.
Speaking during the meeting, Kamara emphasized the urgency of building structured partnerships with regional bodies. He noted that HRCSL’s mandate particularly through its Directorate of Migration and Human Trafficking requires coordinated action beyond Sierra Leone’s borders.
“We are dealing with issues that cut across countries, and collaboration with institutions like the MRU is essential to ensuring protection for vulnerable populations,” he stated.
The Director of Migration and Human Trafficking at HRCSL, Sidratu Kargbo, reinforced this position by highlighting the Commission’s growing caseload of cross-border complaints. She cited the recent deportation of more than 900 Sierra Leoneans from Guinea as a stark reminder of the human rights risks associated with migration.
According to Kargbo, such incidents underscore the need for clear regional mechanisms to ensure that responses are humane, rights-based, and consistent across member states.
In response, Ambassador Moribah welcomed the Commission’s outreach and expressed the MRU Secretariat’s readiness to deepen cooperation. However, he requested detailed documentation from HRCSL outlining its mandate and operational scope to help identify priority areas for collaboration.
He also proposed the development of a formal cooperation framework to guide joint initiatives, enhance coordination, and strengthen engagement with national human rights institutions across the MRU region.
Moribah added that the MRU is well-positioned to convene member states and drive a unified regional agenda on migration governance and anti-trafficking efforts.
The meeting marks a significant step toward a more structured and strategic partnership, aimed at improving the protection of human rights across borders within the Mano River Union region.