Sierra Leone Women Seek Refuge in Beirut Amidst Escalating Conflict
Women from Sierra Leone, including Jaiatu Koroma and her infant daughter, have taken refuge in an abandoned warehouse near Beirut due to escalating violence from Israeli bombardments on Hezbollah positions. The shelter, which currently houses 175 women, provides essential support amidst the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by Lebanon’s ongoing conflict. Efforts for repatriation are underway as many women express their desire to return home, highlighting the challenges faced by migrant workers in Lebanon’s kafala system.
In a dilapidated warehouse at the outskirts of Beirut, women from Sierra Leone, including 21-year-old Jaiatu Koroma and her infant daughter, have sought refuge from the ongoing violence that has engulfed Lebanon. After enduring severe bombardments, Koroma fled with her child, initially sleeping in the streets before arriving at a makeshift shelter run by volunteers. The warehouse, an empty event venue dubbed “The Shelter,” is now filled with mattresses and essentials donated for the well-being of the women relocating from war-torn areas. The conflict, exacerbated by cross-border exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah, has resulted in substantial displacement across Lebanon, with official reports estimating over one million people fleeing and thousands reported killed. Koroma expressed her longing for home and frustration regarding her employment situation in Lebanon, where migrant workers frequently experience exploitation under the controversial “kafala” system. Jaward Gbondema Borniea from the Sierra Leone consulate acknowledged the plight of many stranded citizens and outlined efforts to arrange emergency travel documents and repatriation with the aid of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Dea Hage Chahine, a volunteer at the shelter, has noted an increase in the number of women seeking refuge, stating that they began with 60 residents and currently serve 175. The shelter provides essential services such as food and medical assistance, while volunteers also strive to raise funds to facilitate the women’s repatriation and cover associated costs. Among the residents is Susan Baimda, who expressed her desire to return to her children in Freetown, lamenting the prolonged separation due to her employment in Lebanon. As the situation continues to evolve, the responses of both local and international organizations remain critical to addressing the immediate needs and facilitating safe repatriation for the women affected by the conflict.
The ongoing conflict in Lebanon, which escalated severely in September 2023, primarily involves heavy bombardment by Israeli forces targeting Hezbollah positions. This warfare has led to significant casualties and the displacement of over a million people, disrupting lives and livelihoods across the region. Many migrants from Sierra Leone travel to Lebanon seeking employment opportunities, only to often find themselves in vulnerable and exploitative conditions under the kafala system. The Sierra Leone consulate and other organizations are currently working to provide assistance to these stranded individuals, aiming to secure their safe return home amidst the turmoil.
In summary, the plight of Sierra Leonean women seeking refuge in Lebanon highlights the severe impact of ongoing military conflicts on vulnerable populations. With increasing numbers finding shelter in inadequate conditions, organizations and volunteers are stepping up to provide essential assistance and work towards enabling their repatriation. The exacerbated issues related to the kafala system further complicate the situation, underscoring the urgent need for reforms to protect the rights of migrant workers.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
