By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Social Welfare, hosted its first-ever Town Hall Meeting on building disability-inclusive processes in Sierra Leone. Held at the New City Council Hall in Freetown on November 28, 2024, this groundbreaking event marked a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to promoting the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
In her opening address, the Honourable Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, emphasized that the town hall meeting was a vital step toward fostering a collaborative mechanism for policy formulation and program implementation. She highlighted the importance of hearing the voices of persons with disabilities and integrating their perspectives in the design and implementation of programs aimed at ensuring their meaningful inclusion.
Melrose Karminty underscored that the event sought to reinforce the principle of “Nothing about persons with disabilities, without persons with disabilities” and was designed to address the pressing need for inclusion in all areas of development. She pointed to the domestication of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities through the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2011 as a key milestone in the country’s progress. This law, she noted, remains crucial in providing dignity, opportunity and protection against stigma, while promoting independence and participation for persons with disabilities.
“This town hall is not just a gathering; it is an essential step toward breaking down the barriers preventing the inclusion of persons with disabilities and realizing their full potential,” Minister Melrose Karminty stated. She also called on all duty-bearers to renew their commitment to dignity, equity and respect for persons with disabilities.
One unique feature of the town hall was the advocacy drive for inclusion at all levels, with presentations from various Government Ministries, UN agencies and Civil Society Organizations. These institutions highlighted their strategies for promoting inclusivity in education, health, employment and finance, and pledged to escalate their efforts toward advancing disability-inclusive processes. Melrose Karminty revealed that an impact assessment committee would be set up to track progress in these thematic areas and provide performance updates during next year’s commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
In her call to action, the Minister urged the Sierra Leonean society to join her Ministry in the vision of building a disability-inclusive nation. She stressed that programs must be accessible, with accommodations such as wheelchair access, sign language interpreters and large print or Braille materials. Additionally, she encouraged businesses to hire persons with disabilities and support inclusive initiatives.
Joseph Alieu Kamara, President of the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI), thanked the Ministry for organizing the event and appealed for more attention to be given to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the country’s development plans. He called for full implementation of the 2011 Disability Act and highlighted challenges persons with disabilities continue to face, particularly in higher education.
The keynote address was delivered by Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Lamin Tarawally, who affirmed the Government’s commitment to inclusivity. He reiterated that the Government’s ongoing initiatives, such as the review of the 2011 Disability Act and cash transfer programs, are part of a broader vision to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens, particularly persons with disabilities. He also committed to supporting the development of Sierra Leone’s disability inclusion strategy.
The event included a panel discussion featuring representatives from key Ministries and agencies, discussing issues like education, employment, healthcare and the revised Disability Bill. Members of the disability community had the opportunity to ask questions and engage with duty-bearers, making the town hall a dynamic platform for dialogue.
The Ministry of Social Welfare’s leadership in organizing this historic event was widely commended. UN Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana, praised Sierra Leone’s efforts to promote disability inclusion, noting the global challenges faced by the disabled community, which numbers over 1.3 billion people worldwide. She reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting disability inclusion efforts in Sierra Leone.
As the country prepares to observe the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2024, the Town Hall Meeting has set a precedent for future efforts to build a more inclusive, accessible and equitable society for all persons, regardless of ability. The discussions and commitments made during the meeting will serve as the foundation for continued progress toward a disability-inclusive Sierra Leone.
