The Ministry of Youth Affairs (MoYA) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in supporting youth empowerment and facilitating the sustainable reintegration of migrants into the country.
Many young people from Sierra Leone take considerable risks by leaving their home country and embarking on perilous journeys through war-torn regions of the Middle East, with the goal of reaching Europe in search of better opportunities and brighter futures.
Over the past two years, IOM Sierra Leone has provided hope to approximately 3,000 voluntary returnees who were facing dire circumstances abroad and made the decision to come back home. Among these individuals are victims of trafficking (VoT) and young women and children who have experienced unimaginable hardships. These migrants have not only encountered life-threatening situations during their journey but have also faced numerous challenges upon their return, including stigma, shame, exclusion, and mental health issues.
The MoU signifies the shared commitment of MoYA and IOM to bolstering support for youth empowerment and capacity development among the returned migrants. The collaboration will be grounded in the common interests of both entities, fostering stronger synergies and partnerships, and encompassing the implementation of MoYA's Youth Livelihood/Employability support program.
Christos Christodoulides, Head of the Office of IOM Sierra Leone, emphasized the significance of the MoU with the Minister of Youth, stating, "This agreement strengthens the partnership between IOM and the Youth Ministry, enabling us to expand our efforts in empowering the youth in Sierra Leone, including those who have voluntarily returned to the country."
He further added, "We eagerly anticipate ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs. The signing of this MoU represents a substantial stride towards consolidating our endeavours for youth empowerment, including those who have returned, through a comprehensive whole-of-government and societal approach."
Mohamed Orman Bangura, the Minister of Youth Affairs, highlighted the MoU as a crucial step towards deepening the partnership with IOM in addressing youth-related issues, particularly those concerning empowerment, employment, and the voluntary return of Sierra Leonean migrants to their home country.