The Liberian Ministry of Labour, under the stewardship of Minister Cooper W. Kruah, Sr., has unveiled a landmark initiative aimed at fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in the nation’s workforce. The “National Roadmap on Decent Work for Persons with Disabilities in Liberia,” launched on September 17, 2025, signifies a pivotal step towards integrating individuals with disabilities into the economic mainstream, ensuring their rights, recognizing their contributions, and providing them with safe and productive working environments. This comprehensive roadmap, representing a collaborative effort between government, employers, civil society, and communities, lays the foundation for a more equitable and just labor landscape in Liberia.
Central to the Ministry’s commitment is the establishment of a dedicated Disability Desk within its structure. This desk will serve as a focal point for coordinating policies related to disability inclusion, monitoring the implementation of the roadmap’s provisions, and ensuring accountability across all stakeholders. By integrating the roadmap’s priorities into the National Labour Plan, the Ministry aims to move beyond isolated initiatives and embed disability inclusion as a core principle of the nation’s labor policies. This holistic approach underscores the government’s recognition that the right to decent work for persons with disabilities is not merely a social responsibility but a fundamental component of a thriving and inclusive economy.
Minister Kruah emphasized the importance of creating accessible workplaces, guaranteeing safety and fairness, and providing gainful and sustainable employment opportunities. He acknowledged the instrumental role played by the “Coordinated Action on Disabilities in Liberia (CAD_L)” project, generously supported by the Swedish government through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), in paving the way for the roadmap’s development. This international partnership demonstrates Liberia’s commitment to upholding the rights of persons with disabilities and ensuring their full participation in the world of work, leaving no one behind.
The roadmap’s launch resonated with key stakeholders in Liberia’s labor sector. Olivia Carpental, Acting President General of the Liberia Labour Congress (LLC), highlighted the roadmap’s focus on creating inclusive spaces and suitable work environments for persons with disabilities. She described the document as a guiding framework designed to strengthen policy mechanisms, promote capacity development, foster collaborative partnerships, and rigorously monitor implementation across all sectors, including government, civil society, the private sector, and international partners.
Samuel Dean, Executive Director of the National Commission on Disability, expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s support of commission members through vacation job programs. He poignantly addressed the pervasive issue of social stigma that has historically hindered the progress of individuals with disabilities. Emphasizing the need for targeted programs and initiatives to facilitate access to employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors, Dean called for sustained collaboration to ensure the roadmap’s successful implementation.
Laura Todescato, Chief of Party of AIFO, a key partner in the initiative, underscored the tripartite nature of the roadmap, highlighting its five core areas of focus: Accessibility, Public Finance, Training, Education, and Awareness/Advocacy and Employment. These key areas, she noted, provide a strategic framework for the Liberian government to address the multifaceted challenges faced by persons with disabilities and work towards creating a truly inclusive society. The roadmap, developed over five years of collaborative effort, represents a significant milestone in Liberia’s journey towards equitable and meaningful employment for all its citizens.
The roadmap’s comprehensive approach addresses various facets of disability inclusion, including physical accessibility, financial support, skills development, education, awareness campaigns, and employment opportunities. By tackling these interconnected challenges, the initiative aims to create a supportive ecosystem where persons with disabilities can thrive and contribute their talents to the nation’s workforce. This holistic strategy acknowledges that true inclusion requires not only policy changes but also societal shifts in attitudes and perceptions.
The establishment of the Disability Desk within the Ministry of Labour is a crucial operational element of the roadmap. This dedicated unit will play a vital role in coordinating efforts across government agencies, ensuring policy coherence, monitoring progress, and addressing any implementation challenges. By serving as a central point of contact for disability-related employment issues, the desk will strengthen communication and collaboration among stakeholders.
The Ministry’s commitment to mainstreaming the roadmap’s priorities into the National Labour Plan signifies a long-term vision for disability inclusion. This integration ensures that disability considerations are not treated as separate or ancillary concerns but rather embedded within the core fabric of labor policy. This approach promotes a more sustainable and impactful approach to ensuring that persons with disabilities have equal access to employment opportunities.
The support from the Swedish government, through SIDA, demonstrates the importance of international collaboration in advancing disability rights and inclusion. This partnership provides not only financial resources but also valuable expertise and best practices, strengthening Liberia’s capacity to implement the roadmap effectively.
The roadmap’s emphasis on creating accessible workplaces is essential for removing physical barriers that often prevent persons with disabilities from participating fully in the workforce. This includes adapting physical infrastructure, providing assistive technologies, and promoting universal design principles in workplace environments.
Guaranteeing safety and fairness in the workplace is crucial for protecting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. This includes ensuring that workplaces are free from discrimination, harassment, and exploitation, and that reasonable accommodations are provided to meet the specific needs of individual employees.
The focus on providing gainful and sustainable employment opportunities is central to the roadmap’s objective of empowering persons with disabilities economically. This requires not only creating job opportunities but also ensuring that these jobs provide decent wages, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement.
The collaborative effort between the Ministry of Labour, the Liberia Labour Congress, the National Commission on Disability, and international partners like AIFO is a testament to the power of partnerships in driving social change. By working together, these stakeholders can leverage their collective expertise and resources to ensure that the roadmap’s goals are realized.
The emphasis on addressing social stigma through awareness and educational campaigns is critical for fostering a more inclusive and accepting society. By challenging negative stereotypes and promoting positive portrayals of persons with disabilities, these campaigns can help break down barriers and create a more welcoming environment for individuals with disabilities in the workplace.
The “National Roadmap on Decent Work for Persons with Disabilities in Liberia” represents a significant step forward in the pursuit of disability inclusion and equal opportunities in the nation’s workforce. By addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by persons with disabilities, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and promoting a holistic approach to inclusion, this initiative lays the groundwork for a more equitable and just society where everyone has the opportunity to contribute their talents and achieve their full potential.
