On 18 September 2026, the Network of Ex-Asylum Seekers-Sierra Leone (NEAS-SL) paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Alphonsus Gbanie, the Executive Director of Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone, at his Head office in Freetown.
The engagement provided an opportunity to renew the longstanding relationship between the two organisations, exchange perspectives on Human rights-related issues, including deportation and identify opportunities for strengthened collaboration in human rights advocacy.
During the meeting, the National Coordinator of NEAS-SL, Mr. Abdulai Daramy, provided an overview of the organisation’s work and highlighted current developments relating to deportation in Sierra Leone and globally. NEAS-SL Consultant, Mr. Issa Kamara, further emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships and sought guidance on strengthening the organisation’s institutional effectiveness and advocacy efforts.
Mr. Gbanie welcomed the delegation and shared valuable perspectives on organisational development and human rights advocacy. Among his key recommendations include: strengthening institutional visibility through strategic engagement with media and other communication platforms; maintaining objectivity and non-partisanship in addressing public-interest issues to preserve organisational credibility and neutrality and building strategic partnerships, recognising collaboration as an essential component of effective civil society engagement.
Mr. Gbanie further expressed his willingness to raise awareness about deportation issues and NEAS-SL’s advocacy efforts during his engagements with diplomatic missions and other relevant stakeholders, as well as serve as a reference point when the organisation pursues relevant partnerships and collaborations.
NEAS-SL appreciates the warm reception, constructive dialogue, and valuable guidance provided during the engagement. We look forward to building on this renewed relationship and strengthening collective efforts to promote the rights, dignity, and welfare of ex-asylum seekers and deportees.
Partnership. Advocacy. Accountability. Impact.
#NEASSL #HumanRights #Deportation #HRDN-SL
