By Lloydson G. Flomo
MONROVIA, April 12 (LINA) – The Executive Director of the National Commission on Disabilities Samuel S. Dean has called for more political Representation of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Liberia.
Political representation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) refers to their inclusion and participation in political processes, decision-making bodies, and governance structures at all levels
Mr. Dean made the call Wednesday April 9, 2025, at the NCD office in Congo Town, following his return from the 3rd Global Disability Summit (GDS) in Berlin, Germany which brought together Government Officials, Civil Society Organizations and Disability Rights Advocates from over 100 nations to chart a global path forward for PWDs.
Mr. Dean explained that one of the standout discussions emphasized the importance of political representation, asserting that “good policies cannot be made for persons with disabilities.
He said in as much as democracy and inclusion work together, the call for individuals with disabilities to have more seats at the table in decision-making processes was a focal point of one of the sessions.
Quoting one notable speaker at the conference – Sébastien Peytavie, a Parliamentarian from France who uses a wheelchair, Mr. Dean noted that he underscored the need to address the discrimination faced by persons with disabilities in the political sphere.
Peytavie argued that the Quota System is indispensable to ensuring fair representation in governance pointing out that the lack of political commitment by political parties and discrimination from electorates hinders individuals with disabilities from attaining public offices.
According to Dean this reflects an unfortunate reality in Liberia, where qualified candidates have faced systemic obstacles in their endeavors to represent PWDs interests in the legislature citing that the neglect of Section 9 of the Act establishing the NCD, which mandates enabling legislation for the election of persons with disabilities, underscores this ongoing issue.
“Political Representation is a key aspect of ensuring equality, social justice, and the protection of the rights of people with disabilities,” Dean concluded.
The Global Disability Summit (GDS) is a significant international event dedicated to advancing the rights and inclusion of PWDs worldwide as this 3rd summit was co-hosted by the International Disability Alliance (IDA), the Government of Germany, and the Government of Jordan, with the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) leading the organization on behalf of Germany.