IOM AND PARTNERS VALIDATE DRAFT NIP AND GCM MIGRATION FRAMEWORKS

By Morlai Sesay

The International Organization for Migration in collaboration with its partners has on Wednesday, 16^th July 2025 validated the draft Global Compact for Migration (GCM) and the National Implementation Plan (NIP) on migration governance in Sierra Leone. The preceding plans are designed to improve how Sierra Leone manages migration, aligning with the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). The process involved several steps, including data collection, inter-ministerial consultations, and developing a monitoring and evaluation framework. Pauline Matharia, a representative from International Organization for Migration (IOM) noted that the plan aims to improve Sierra Leone's migration governance, encompassing policies, laws, and strategies, stressing that IOM is supporting the government in this process by providing technical expertise and resources.

According Pawline, the Global Compact for Migration, the first internationally agreed framework on migration, provides a comprehensive roadmap to enhance cooperation and governance on migration, stressing that the validation meeting marks a significant milestone in translating the global commitment into concrete and nationally owned actions. She affirmed that IOM commends the Government of Sierra Leone, partners and stakeholders for their leadership and inclusive approach in drafting the NIP and NCM. The participatory process exemplified during the interactive plenaries and group discussions, that included civil society, academia, religious authorities, the media and migrants themselves, according to her, did not only demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to the process and project - but reflects the "whole-of- government and whole-of-society approach" championed by the GCM.

“We appreciate the coordinating role of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, led by the Honorable Minister, Kenyeh Ballay, as well as other lead agencies of state, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, for laying the foundation that has gathered all of us here today. This shows a clear indication of ownership and should be maximized for both the implementation and the review, with the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) in view,” she asserted.

Pawline further reiterated that the GCM calls on Member States to develop ambitious national responses for the implementation of the Global Compact and conduct regular and inclusive reviews of progress at the national level. She noted that it recognizes that such reviews should draw on contributions from all related stakeholders, as well as parliaments and local authorities.

“I am pleased to inform you all that the second IMRF will take place in 2026 in New York. It will serve as a platform to discuss progress on the implementation of all aspects of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), and will conclude with the adoption of a Progress Declaration. The IMRF presents a strategic opportunity for Member States to discuss matters related to international migration in a multilateral setting with stakeholders, and to identify priorities and challenges for the forthcoming four-year cycle,’ she assured.

Pawline disclosed that IOM through the UN Network on Migration, remain committed to supporting Sierra Leone in implementing the NIP and NCM, as well as to fully participate in the IMRF review of GCM implementation in Sierra Leone through capacity building, policy advice, and partnerships.

“We believe that together, we can strengthen migration governance, protect migrant rights, and leverage migration for sustainable development,” she maintained. She concluded that the NIP and NCM are not just any documents; they are strategic blueprint to harness the benefits of migration while addressing its challenges.

The Deputy Development Secretary of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Osman Chery Conteh expressed his sincere appreciation to all those who took part in the exercise for their continued dedication and commitment to strengthening migration governance in Sierra Leone. He noted that the event is a culmination of the intensive efforts they jointly invested during the Pre-Validation Meeting held on the 9th and 10th of July 2025, which brought together a wide range of stakeholders from across government institutions, development agencies, civil society, and academia.

During that two-day technical engagement, Conteh revealed that they thoroughly reviewed the draft NIP and the Terms of Reference for the proposed NCM, noting that he process was not only participatory but also enriching, allowing for frank and constructive dialogue, critical review, and consensus-building around national migration priorities and how best to operationalize the commitments we have made under the Global Compact for Migration.

He narrated the diligent work done by each of the seven thematic groups during the pre- validation and that each group’s contributions led to key refinements in the document, ensuring that the NIP is nationally owned, contextually relevant, and fully aligned with Sierra Leone's development trajectory, particularly the Medium- Term National Development Plan and the broader Human Capital Development agenda.

Importantly, he stated that the endorsement of the NCM's structure and mandate reflects their collective recognition of the urgent need for a well-coordinated, inclusive, and responsive mechanism to manage migration issues. Conteh intimated that it is their firm belief that the NCM, under the leadership of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development and in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other partners, would serve as a vital platform for multi-sectoral coordination, evidence-based decision- making, and accountability.

The validation he said, is not routine exercise, it is a pivotal step forward in ensuring that the commitments of those involved under the Global Compact are translated into actionable programmes, measurable outcomes, and institutionalized mechanisms for governance.

As they officially validate the revised National Implementation Plan and concerning the operational framework of the NCM, Conteh urged all stakeholders to maintain the spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility. “Let us seize this opportunity to reaffirm our national resolve to make migration work for all, for migrants, their families, and the communities they call home. Let me conclude by commending the Population and Development Desk at MoPED, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and all technical and administrative teams who have worked tirelessly to reach this critical milestone,” he averred.