By Saidu Jalloh
In a significant step towards addressing pressing social welfare concerns, the Ministry of Social Welfare of Sierra Leone and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have officially inked a cooperation agreement. The signing ceremony, held at the ministry’s conference room in New England Ville, Freetown, featured prominent figures including Honourable Mrs. Melrose Karminty, Minister of Social Welfare, and Christos Christodoulides, Head of IOM Sierra Leone.
Deputy Chief Director for Social Protection at the Ministry of Social Welfare, Francis Kabia, emphasized the historic nature of this agreement, marking the first major engagement between the ministry and IOM following their participation in the Commission on the Status of Women Conference in New York. Kabia underscored the importance of fostering collaborations, particularly in light of joint initiatives such as the recently concluded CSW side event co-hosted by IOM, which showcased the country on a global platform.
Christos Christodoulides, Head of Office for IOM in Sierra Leone, expressed surprise at the absence of a formal cooperative agreement between the two institutions despite IOM’s 22-year presence in the country. He outlined key areas to be addressed under the agreement, notably combatting human trafficking as a top priority, along with supporting returnee migrants, stranded migrants, and vulnerable groups. Christodoulides emphasized alignment with the government’s Medium-Term National Development Plan, launched by President Julius Maada Bio in 2023.
Minister Melrose Karminty, in her address, reiterated the ministry’s commitment to the welfare of all Sierra Leoneans, particularly vulnerable populations such as women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and victims of trafficking. She praised IOM’s efforts in the country and emphasized the essential role of partners in implementing social protection programs effectively.
Highlighting the gravity of the human trafficking issue, Minister Karminty commended IOM’s support in legislative frameworks and program development, including the 2022 Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act. She emphasized the importance of the newly established cooperation agreement in solidifying the partnership between the two institutions.
In closing, Minister Karminty acknowledged the challenges faced globally and in Sierra Leone, stressing the need for collective action and partnership to address them effectively. She underscored the agreement as a crucial step towards tackling issues like human trafficking, which often drive individuals to undertake perilous journeys in search of better opportunities.
The cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Social Welfare and IOM Sierra Leone signals a collaborative effort to address pressing social welfare issues and underscores the importance of partnership in achieving sustainable development goals.
