Liberia: Disabled Group Petitions Liberia Supreme Court Justice Over Alleged Abuse, Unmet Promises

- A disabled rights group has petitioned Liberia's Supreme Court, accusing government ministries of mistreatment and failing to deliver promised support under a US$5 million social empowerment program.

The Liberia Disabled Foundation for Change (LDF) submitted the petition to Supreme Court Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr., seeking intervention amid rising tensions between law enforcement officers and members of the disabled community.

The group said the dispute stems from the government's "Save the Future" initiative, a five-year program launched in 2024 by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection to remove disabled parents and their children from the streets through education assistance, empowerment, and monthly support.

LDF said that while some school fees have been paid, most beneficiaries have not received the promised monthly assistance, forcing many families to continue begging. The group also alleged that only a small number of disabled persons received food or cash aid, despite official statements that thousands benefited.

According to the petition, tensions escalated in January when about 100 persons with disabilities reportedly received US$120 each as empowerment support and were then ordered to leave the streets. The group alleged that police officers and officials from the Ministry of Gender have since carried out arrests of disabled parents and their children in Monrovia and other cities.

LDF cited an incident on Feb. 19 in which at least 12 children of disabled parents were arrested and taken to the Zone 4 Police Station before being transferred to the Ministry of Gender and later released. The group said the incident heightened fear among affected families.

In its petition, LDF said it is not opposing the government but seeking a peaceful resolution to worsening conditions for persons with disabilities, citing unemployment, lack of housing, limited access to healthcare and poor educational opportunities.

The group called for enforcement of laws requiring the employment of qualified persons with disabilities, monthly assistance for unemployed disabled individuals and stronger protection for children of disabled parents enrolled in school.

LDF warned that tensions could rise if the issue is not addressed and urged the government to engage the disabled community through dialogue and fully implement commitments under the empowerment program.

Read the original article on New Dawn.