A high-level meeting between the Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) was held in Freetown on 1st October 2024, marking a significant step toward enhancing ethical recruitment practices in the country. The event, introduced by the Minister of Employment, Labor, and Social Security, Mr. Mohamed Rahman Swaray, focused on promoting transparency and safeguarding workers’ rights.
In his opening remarks, Minister Swaray stressed the importance of ethical recruitment, citing its role in preventing labour exploitation and human trafficking.
“Unethical recruitment not only jeopardises the well-being of workers but also undermines the integrity of our labour market, with serious economic consequences,” the minister said. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a transparent and fair labour environment, prioritising workers’ rights and well-being.
Mr Christos Christodoulides, Head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM
) in Sierra Leone, highlighted the organisation’s continued support for ethical recruitment. He emphasised the importance of aligning recruitment practices with international standards to enhance Sierra Leone’s global reputation and attract foreign investment. “Ethical recruitment frameworks are vital not just for protecting individuals but for advancing the country’s social and economic development,” Mr Christodoulides stated.
The collaboration between IOM and the Government of Sierra Leone has been critical to efforts to reform labour practices across various sectors, focusing on transparency, accountability, and protecting vulnerable groups. Over the past year, the partnership has led to several initiatives, including training programs for public officials, developing ethical guidelines, and establishing an Anti-Corruption Task Force to combat human trafficking and irregular migration.
Training workshops organised for government officials have provided crucial education on ethical conduct, with over 500
officers trained in Freetown and other regions. Furthermore, ethical guidelines have been implemented across ministries, ensuring public servants adhere to strict standards of integrity and transparency. The Anti-Corruption Commission has also received technical support to strengthen oversight and monitoring mechanisms, significantly reducing incidents of misconduct in the immigration sector.
While the collaboration has seen positive outcomes, challenges remain, including limited resources and public scepticism due to past incidents of corruption. However, the joint efforts have laid a strong foundation for continued progress in promoting ethical recruitment and building public trust in government institutions, instilling a sense of optimism about the future.
The meeting concluded with calls for enhanced resource allocation, ongoing monitoring and evaluation, and greater community involvement to ensure the sustainability of the reforms. The partnership is seen as a vital step toward fostering a culture of a
ccountability and transparency, crucial for Sierra Leone’s development, underscoring the importance of everyone’s involvement in this journey.
Source: Sierra Leone News Agency