NEAS strengthens migration advocacy at 17th World Social Forum

The Network of Ex-Asylum Seekers (NEAS) Sierra Leone participated in the 17th World Social Forum 2026 in Cotonou, Benin, using the global gathering to strengthen its advocacy for the rights, dignity and protection of migrants, refugees and returnees.

The forum, held from August 4 to 8, 2026, brought together thousands of representatives of civil society organisations, grassroots movements, human rights defenders, academics and development partners from across the world to discuss solutions to pressing social, economic, environmental and human rights challenges.

NEAS Sierra Leone was represented at the international forum by its Executive Director, Abdulai Darammy, and Programme Manager, Usif S. Mansaray.

During the five-day event, the delegation participated in discussions centred on migration, human rights, cross-border governance, protection of migrants and refugees, social justice and sustainable development.

According to the organisation, the sessions provided an opportunity to exchange experiences with civil society groups and migration-focused organisations from across Africa and other parts of the world, while also building partnerships aimed at promoting the rights and dignity of migrants and returnees.

A major migration platform at the forum brought together organisations and regional migration networks, including Medico International and Brot für die Welt, to advocate safer migration pathways, stronger protection for migrants’ rights and an end to dangerous migration practices that continue to claim lives along migration routes.

The discussions also underscored the need for stronger regional cooperation, effective community reintegration programmes and migration policies that respect the fundamental rights and dignity of people on the move.

NEAS Sierra Leone said its participation in the World Social Forum reaffirmed its commitment to supporting returned migrants, advocating humane migration policies, promoting social inclusion and expanding collaboration with regional and international partners.

The organisation added that the knowledge, experiences and partnerships gained during the forum would contribute to strengthening its programmes and advocacy initiatives in Sierra Leone.

As an organisation working with returned migrants, NEAS Sierra Leone said it remains committed to ensuring that returnees are treated with dignity and given meaningful opportunities to rebuild their lives.

The organisation said it would continue to engage in regional and international dialogues that promote human rights, social justice and sustainable development, guided by its advocacy message: “Beyond Deportation, Every Return Matters.”