The Government of Sierra Leone has approved a new humanitarian programme that will allow the temporary reception and support of third-country nationals, with funding support of 1.5 million US dollars from the United States Government.
According to officials, the decision was taken by Cabinet as part of an agreement with international partners to provide reception, temporary accommodation and basic humanitarian services for individuals arriving in Sierra Leone under the Third Country National Arrangement. The programme will be coordinated at the national level, with different ministries and government agencies expected to supervise its implementation.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, said the intervention is limited in time and designed to meet humanitarian standards. He explained that the funding from the United States will support the provision of shelter, basic care and other essential services for the people involved.
“This is a time-bound, structured humanitarian intervention supported by external financing to make sure those arriving under this programme are treated with dignity and given basic services in line with international standards,” the minister said.
Authorities say the arrangement is part of wider international cooperation efforts and will be handled under strict government supervision to ensure proper management of funds and activities. Officials also noted that the programme is not permanent, but a temporary measure agreed with partners to respond to a specific humanitarian situation.
The government has assured the public that the process will follow international guidelines and will be carried out in a controlled and organised manner.
