On 7–10 March 2023, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the ICMPD Anti-Trafficking Programme held a validation workshop on the newly developed Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) of the National referral mechanism for victims of trafficking.
The SOPs were developed in consultation with various state and non-state organisations who provided candid and valuable inputs throughout this important document’s different stages of development. The SOPs shape the new cooperation framework for supporting victims of trafficking to be implemented in Sierra Leone. The document enhances the existing coordination between the anti-trafficking stakeholders. It offers clear descriptions and instructions related to the case management procedures and delivery of protection services in the country. Furthermore, the SOPs are aligned with the new Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act, adopted in July 2022 by the Government of Sierra Leone.
Mr. Mohamed Haji-Kella, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs of Sierra Leone; Mr. Dehunge Shiaka, Executive Director of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Secreta; Ms. Elisa Tesselli, representing the EU Delegation to Sierra Leone, and H.E. Harouna MOUSSA, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Sierra Leone attended the opening ceremony of the event.
This validation workshop was the last step in the development process before the finalisation of the SOPs and their official introduction.