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Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, has reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to disability inclusion while addressing a side event at the United Nations in New York during a disability rights conference.
Speaking on “Employment and Livelihood for Persons with Disabilities in Sierra Leone,” she emphasized that disability does not diminish capability and called for stronger action on employment and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities.
She noted that many persons with disabilities continue to face barriers in education, skills training, financial services, and employment, which contribute to poverty and exclusion. She stressed that inclusive livelihoods are essential for independence and social integration.
Minister Karminty also announced that Sierra Leone is currently reviewing its Persons with Disabilities Act of 2011 to strengthen protections in employment, accessibility, political participation, and inclusive budgeting.
Furthermore, she warned that when societies shut persons with disabilities out of employment and livelihoods, they lose valuable talent, creativity, and productivity.
She highlighted ongoing government efforts through the Ministry of Social Welfare and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, including vocational training, livelihood support, and community empowerment programmes.
The Minister called for collaboration between governments, development partners, the private sector, and civil society to expand access to jobs, skills training, assistive technologies, and inclusive opportunities, reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to leaving no one behind.
