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The Honourable Minister of Social Welfare, Melrose Karminty, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing inclusion and protecting the rights of children living with disabilities during World Hope International’s “Enable the Children” Annual Beach Outing.
The vibrant and heartwarming event, organised by World Hope International in partnership with UNICEF Sierra Leone, brought together parents, caregivers, partners, and children for a day celebrating dignity, hope, and inclusion. The beach was transformed into a lively space of joy and empowerment for children living with disabilities.
Welcoming families, Minister Karminty expressed profound appreciation to World Hope International and UNICEF Sierra Leone for their steadfast collaboration. She noted that such partnerships complement the government’s efforts to strengthen child protection systems and promote equal opportunities for vulnerable groups.
“No child should be left behind in national development,” the Minister said, stressing that the rights of persons with disabilities remain central to Sierra Leone’s social development agenda. She highlighted efforts to align national laws and policies with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and ongoing updates to legal frameworks aimed at addressing discrimination, violence, and barriers to essential services.
Minister Karminty also emphasised the need for improved access to assistive devices, comprehensive assessments, and proper certification processes to ensure children with disabilities can fully access education, healthcare, and social protection services without discrimination.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by parents and caregivers, the Minister described children living with disabilities as holding a special place in her heart. She assured families that the government remains committed to working closely with development partners to expand inclusion, protection, and equal opportunity for every child across Sierra Leone.
The “Enable the Children” Beach Outing not only provided recreation and relaxation but also served as a powerful reminder that inclusion is not charity—it is a right. Through continued collaboration between government and partners, Sierra Leone moves closer to building a society where every child, regardless of ability, is valued, protected, and empowered to thrive.
