Freetown - To commemorates this year’s International Migrants Day on 18 December, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) organized events in Freetown in the Western Area and Kailahun in the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone respectively.

The events included a film screening, migration dialogue, and musical performance in Freetown by a Sierra Leonean Pop Star (MOS- B from France), a theatrical display sharing stories of returnees by returned migrants at the Parrot Beak Area in Kailahun District.

These events were conducted in collaboration with Film Makers including HAAND Africa, and Brighter Days Media Pictures which produced the film ‘Sisterhood ‘which was screened in Freetown on the 18th of December. IOM also partnered with returnees’ associations such as the Advocacy Network Against Irregular Migration (ANAIM), and the Women and Girl Child Against Irregular Migration (WAGCAIM).

The events encouraged conversations about human stories of migration and also allowed important discussions on human trafficking and the dangers of irregular migration and its alternatives including safe migration pathways.

Speaking at the screening event in Freetown, the Head of IOM Sierra Leone a.i, Christos Christodoulides said that “IOM believes in the capacity of safe, orderly, and regular migration to transform societies and the need to support those who migrate. We must be guided by the best interest of the people we serve”.

He also stated that IOM has been delighted to work closely with the government of Sierra Leone to address migration challenges in the country. “I would like to thank the government for its continuous support of migration management in the country”.

In her statement, the UN Resident Coordinator a.i, and UNFPA Sierra Leone Country Representative, Ms. Nadia Rasheed noted the importance of the day and called on all to respect migrants’ rights: “Migrant rights are human rights. They must be respected without discrimination – and irrespective of whether their movement is voluntary, or formally authorized. Today and every day, let us safeguard our common humanity and secure the rights and dignity of all”.

She also reaffirmed UN Sierra Leone’s commitment to addressing migration challenges in the country. “Migration is a cross-cutting issue, and the United Nations Team in Sierra Leone is committed to supporting policies and programs that maximize the potential of migration for all while ensuring the fundamental human rights of migrants are protected,” said Nadia.

Maurice Kargbo who represented the Human Right Commission of Sierra Leone emphasized the importance of the event, as he said would raise awareness about migration issues. Mr. Kargbo informed participants about the establishment of a new migration and human trafficking department at the Commission.

This year, the IMD was celebrated in Freetown by IOM with support from the Africa Regional Migration Programme (ARMP), with funds from the United States Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration. In Kailahun, the IMD event was delivered with support from the project ‘Strengthening border management, social cohesion, and cross-border security in the Parrot's Beak area’ with support from the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF).

For more information, please contact Alfred Fornah, Communications and Public Relations Assistant at IOM Sierra Leone, Email: afornah@iom.int