Heighten Discrimination…
Disabled Young Man Forced into Hiding
By David Koroma
People with disabilities in the West Africa nation of Sierra Leone are caught in the violence and struggle to flee to safety when they come under attack and discrimination. They also face difficulties in getting necessary assistance.
“People with disabilities are among the most marginalized and at-risk population in Sierra Leone with heighten discrimination.
Alexander Thullah commonly known as ‘African Teacher’ is among disabled person currently facing some serious discrimination not only in his community but his place of work forcing the young man out of job and constantly hiding from the public.
Many disabled persons including Mr. Thullah with disabilities aren’t getting even their basic needs.
Over the past three years, Sierra Leone as a country have been embroiled in a cycle of discrimination with most disabled persons fleeing their communities and others forced to abandon their place of work thereby affecting their livelihood activities.
This has forced most disabled person to beg on the street for their living.
People with disabilities have faced attack and abuse by belligerents, often because they are unable to flee their communities.
Alexander Thullah’s situation in Sierra Leone is one with concern as this vibrant radio presenter and commentator is hardly seen in public nor his usual spots.
The 41-year-old Thullah with a physical disability according to information lost his wheelchair and could not go home one day after his wheelchair was taken from him by unknown assailants.
“I have no means to move myself around independently, Thullah told me in hiding.”
PWDs make up at least 15% of Sierra Leone’s population yet remain heavily marginalized throughout all levels of society. Families don’t often prioritize education for children with disabilities and instead send them to work or beg on the streets, isolating them from their peers and potential paths to employment. PWDs, especially women, also face higher rates of homelessness, discrimination and crime. Politically, the visibility of PWDs and their priorities in government remains low. Though the government has taken steps to combat discrimination and guarantee the inclusion of PWDs through instruments like the 2011 Person with Disabilities Act, implementation of these efforts has been inadequate. Government officials lack general knowledge of disability issues and have failed to systematically consider PWD priorities in decision-making processes. This is despite efforts by disabled persons’ organizations to access, lobby and engage government officials on key public policy issues impacting PWDs.
