The Minister of Social Welfare Melrose Karminty has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to addressing the persistent and growing challenges faced by millions of persons with disability worldwide at a conference convened by the United Nations.
She said the theme for the conference is particularly significant because it reminds them that sustainable development, social justice, and human rights cannot be achieved unless persons with disabilities are fully included in all aspects of society.
‘‘The Government of Sierra Leone remains firmly committed to the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals through a disability-inclusive approach. One of the most significant achievements in our disability inclusion journey is the implementation of the Persons with Disability Act, 2011, which remains the cornerstone of disability rights protection in Sierra Leone ‘’ she stated.
The Minister of Social Welfare said Sierra Leone greatly appreciates the support of the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) Fund, adding that through the implementation of disability-inclusive programs supported by the Fund, the country has strengthened institutional capacity, improved coordination among government institutions and stakeholders, enhanced advocacy efforts, and increased the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in governance and public policy processes.
She added that the Government of Sierra Leone recognizes that poverty disproportionately affects persons with disabilities. In response, we have continued to strengthen disability-inclusive social protection systems. ‘’Through cash transfer programs supported by the Government and the World Bank, vulnerable households, including households headed by or containing persons with disabilities, have benefited from financial assistance aimed at improving livelihoods and reducing poverty,’’ Melrose said.
She noted that as a result of the support from the UN Indian fund, the country constructed a specially abled village for sixty households headed by Person with disabilities, and refurbished and equip two sills training centres for persons with Disabilities
‘’Regional cooperation remains a critical component of advancing disability rights. Sierra Leone is therefore proud to work closely with fellow ECOWAS Member States in promoting disability-inclusive development across West Africa,’’ she said.
To address the challenges of data gaps, she informed that Sierra Leone is collaborating with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicineand other partners in the development of a Disability Management Information System (DMIS).
Minister Melrose concluded by personally reaffirming her commitment to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us”.
‘’We remain dedicated to building an inclusive society where every person with a disability can live with dignity, participate fully, and contribute meaningfully to national development,’’ she said.
