Monrovia, Liberia – Liberia has received international recognition for ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, but this achievement has been marred by the government’s failure to participate in an important international evaluation and serious worries about protection gaps.
At a meeting in Geneva on March 17, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities commended Liberia for putting inclusive policies into place and submitting its first report. But the lack of a Liberian government team for the study raised questions about the country’s participation at a critical juncture for accountability.
Committee experts praised initiatives including the Inclusive Education Policy and Liberia’s National Action Plan on Disability Inclusion (2023–2027), characterising them as indications of dedication. They cautioned, that these guidelines must result in concrete safeguards for people with disabilities across the country.
The Committee highlighted alarming reports of detrimental customs that impact women and girls with disabilities, such as female genital mutilation and exposure to gender-based violence. Concerns were also expressed about the continuous use of guardianship systems, which deny people complete legal autonomy, and antiquated laws that still equate impairment with inability.
Reports of medical and physical constraints, such as shackling, in homes, institutions, and purported therapeutic facilities were equally concerning, exposing what experts called systematic shortcomings in defending human rights and dignity.
Alfred Kouadio Kouassi, a committee Taskforce member, pointed out that although Liberia’s policy approach is praiseworthy, consistent implementation is essential. He called on the government to use the Committee’s findings as a reform roadmap and to embrace inclusive ideas more thoroughly.
Gertrude Oforiwa Fefoame, a committee expert, echoed these worries and called for clarification on policies to safeguard women and girls with disabilities, especially in rural areas where access to support networks and the legal system is still restricted.
The Committee identified ongoing obstacles in employment, healthcare, and education in addition to legal protections. While many individuals experience limited employment possibilities and inadequate social protection systems, children with disabilities continue to be excluded from schools due to a lack of accessible resources like Braille and sign language services.
Accessibility in government digital platforms, public transport, and infrastructure is still a significant barrier that prevents people with disabilities from fully engaging in national life.
The Committee is currently pressing Liberia to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention, improve procedures for reporting and dealing with abuse, and harmonise its domestic legislation with international norms.
Vice Chair Abdelmajid Makni stressed in his remarks that the Committee’s concerns are meant to promote rather than denounce the nation’s advancement. He expressed optimism that Liberia would provide thorough written answers and return to the conversation in the future.
The message from Geneva is apparent to many advocates: although Liberia has made significant initial progress, the true test will be in transforming pledges into tangible protections for some of the nation’s most vulnerable individuals.
Reported by: Prince Saah
