The Mano River Union Women and Girls Advoc-Aid Network Sierra Leone (MRU-WAGAN) has on March 21, 2025 issued an urgent appeal for Government and humanitarian intervention following reports of Sierra Leonean women detained in Oman, including Margret Turay, who has been held incommunicado since January 6, 2025.
According to her brother, James Turay, all communication with Margret abruptly ceased, leaving her family in distress and uncertainty. Despite repeated inquiries, Omani authorities have provided no clear justification for her detention or details on any legal process for her release. The lack of transparency has raised serious human rights concerns, prompting MRU-WAGAN to call for immediate diplomatic and humanitarian intervention.
In a press release issued on March 21, 2025, MRU-WAGAN called on the Government of Sierra Leone, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Omani Ambassador to Sierra Leone and international humanitarian organizations to take urgent measures to address the situation. Their demands include:
- Diplomatic Engagement: Immediate inquiry and official clarification from Omani authorities regarding the legal status, condition and whereabouts of Margret Turay and other detained Sierra Leonean women.
- Human Rights Protections: Advocacy for their fair treatment in accordance with international human rights laws, including the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.
- Safe and Immediate Release: A strong appeal to the Government of Oman to facilitate the release and repatriation of the detained women without further delay, ensuring their safe return to Sierra Leone.
- Preventive Measures: Implementation of stricter labor migration policies, enhanced embassy support and emergency response mechanisms to protect Sierra Leonean women seeking employment abroad from similar distressing situations.
MRU-WAGAN has also called upon ECOWAS, the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN) and international human rights organizations to intervene and hold the Government of Oman accountable for any violations of migrant workers’ rights. The organization stressed the need for global solidarity in ensuring justice and protection for vulnerable migrant workers.
MRU-WAGAN has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Margret Turay’s family and all affected women, pledging to continue advocating for the rights, dignity and safety of Sierra Leonean women and girls worldwide.
“We urge the Government of Sierra Leone and the international community to act swiftly in securing justice and the safe return of our detained sisters,” the organization stated in its appeal.
The organization is urging both the Government of Sierra Leone and the international community to act swiftly in ensuring justice and the safe return of all detained Sierra Leonean women.
