AYV News, April 10, 2026
The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone has deepened efforts to address cross-border human rights challenges following a high-level engagement with the Mano River Union Secretariat in Freetown.
The meeting, held on Wednesday, brought together senior officials from both institutions to explore stronger collaboration on issues of migration, human trafficking, and regional human rights protection. The HRCSL delegation was led by its Executive Secretary, Joseph Kamara, while the MRU team was headed by Secretary General Simeon M-B. Moribah.
Discussions centered on the urgent need for coordinated regional approaches to tackle transnational challenges, particularly irregular migration and human trafficking, which continue to affect countries within the Mano River Union basin. Both sides acknowledged that such issues cannot be effectively addressed through isolated national efforts.
Mr. Kamara emphasised the importance of building strong institutional partnerships, noting that the Commission’s Directorate of Migration and Human Trafficking regularly handles cases with cross-border implications. He stressed that collaboration with regional bodies like the MRU is essential to advancing the Commission’s mandate and ensuring the protection of citizens beyond national borders.
Also contributing, Director of Migration and Human Trafficking at HRCSL, Madam Sidratu Kargbo, highlighted the increasing complexity of migration-related cases. She referenced the recent deportation of over 900 Sierra Leoneans from Guinea as a clear example of the need for structured regional cooperation to ensure humane and coordinated responses.
Responding, Ambassador Moribah welcomed the initiative and expressed the MRU Secretariat’s readiness to formalize cooperation with the HRCSL. He called for detailed documentation outlining the Commission’s mandate to help identify priority areas for collaboration and ensure targeted engagement.
He further proposed the development of a formal cooperation framework to guide joint actions, enhance coordination, and strengthen engagement with other National Human Rights Institutions across the region. According to him, the MRU’s convening power could also be leveraged to promote dialogue among member states and advance a unified approach to migration governance and anti-trafficking efforts.
The engagement marks a significant step toward building a more coordinated regional response to human rights challenges, particularly those arising from migration and human trafficking within the Mano River Union region.
