Social Welfare Ministry Hosts Town Hall on Disability Inclusion
The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Social Welfare, hosted its first-ever Town Hall on disability inclusion on November 28, 2024, at the New City Council Hall in Freetown. The event marked a major step in the country’s commitment to advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Minister Melrose Karminty opened the meeting, emphasizing the importance of involving persons with disabilities in policy and program development. She highlighted the principle “Nothing about persons with disabilities, without persons with disabilities,” and stressed the need for inclusive processes in all development sectors. Karminty also pointed to the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2011 as a key achievement, noting its role in promoting dignity, independence, and protection against stigma.
The town hall featured presentations from various government ministries, UN agencies, and civil society organizations, all pledging to increase efforts for inclusivity in education, health, employment, and finance. An impact assessment committee will be established to monitor progress on these initiatives.
Karminty urged the public and businesses to support a disability-inclusive nation by providing accessible programs, hiring persons with disabilities, and making necessary accommodations. Joseph Alieu Kamara, President of the Sierra Leone Union on Disability Issues (SLUDI), called for stronger implementation of the 2011 Disability Act and greater attention to challenges in higher education for persons with disabilities.
Attorney General Mohamed Lamin Tarawally delivered the keynote, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusivity through ongoing initiatives such as the review of the Disability Act and cash transfer programs.
The event included a panel discussion on key issues like education, employment, and healthcare, with members of the disability community actively engaging with duty-bearers. UN Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana, commended Sierra Leone’s progress on disability inclusion, highlighting the global challenges faced by the disabled community.
As Sierra Leone prepares for the International Day for Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2024, the Town Hall has set a strong foundation for building a more inclusive, accessible, and equitable society for all.
