By Gabriel M. C. Parker
TUBMANBURG, Liberia–The Alliance for Disability in Liberia, in partnership with the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD) with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has ended a one-day regional stakeholders’ consultation here in the western Bomi County.
The consultation is part of nationwide engagements intended to gather public input on the proposed Persons with Disabilities Bill currently before the National Legislature.
The event brought together a cross-section of stakeholders, including local community leaders, civil society actors, youth and women groups, as well as Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) from Bomi, Grand Cape Mount and Gbarpolu Counties.
The day-long engagement was held under the powerful theme: “Together for an Inclusive Liberia” a call for collective action to remove barriers facing PWDs.
Giving the overview at the start of the engagement, the Regional Director for the Alliance for Disability, Ibrahim Dukuly, explained that the gathering was organized to shed light on the numerous challenges confronting PWDs across Liberia.
Dukuly noted that despite existing laws, persons with disabilities continue to face discrimination, limited access to education, healthcare, and employment.
He further disclosed that there is currently a bill before the National Legislature that, when passed into law, will protect and promote the rights of Persons with Disabilities.
“This bill is not just a piece of paper. It is the future of persons with disabilities in Liberia. We are here so that PWDs themselves can review it, correct it, and own it before it becomes law.”
According to him, the consultation was intended to allow persons with disabilities and other stakeholders to review the proposed Bill, identify areas that need correction, and make recommendations.
He said the inputs gathered from the three counties will be compiled and submitted to the Legislature to ensure the final law reflects the real needs of the disability community.
Meanwhile, several participants who attended the gathering expressed appreciation to the Alliance for Disability Liberia for organizing the consultations in Tubmanburg.
They described the forum as timely and inclusive, stating that it was the first time many of them were consulted on a national law that directly affects them.
“If this bill is passed, we will no longer be beggars on the streets. We will have rights to education, to jobs, and to be part of decision-making in this country.” Said David Tommy, Coordinator of the National Commission on Disabilities in Bomi
The participants unanimously called on the National Legislature to speedily pass the bill, noting that when implemented, it will give persons with disabilities greater access to education, economic opportunities, public services, and other rights.
They said the passage of the bill will bring Liberia in line with international standards, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and fulfill the government’s promise of leaving no one behind.