Sierra Leone At the United Nations Security Council Arria formula meeting on “Persons with disabilities in situations of armed conflict and related humanitarian crises –Heightening visibility and eliminating discrimination”

STATEMENT BY: MS. EBUNOLUWA TENGBE
COUNSELLOR

Thank you, Mr. Chairman

I thank the delegations of Guyana, Poland, Slovenia, and the UK for convening this Arria-Formula meeting.

Mr. Chairman,

As a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Sierra Leone prioritizes the protection of persons with disabilities and recognizes the need for strengthening national regional and global mechanisms that support this objective in situations of conflict and humanitarian crises.

On a daily basis, persons with disabilities have to contend with various types of discrimination that restrict them from participating fully in society, and these barriers become even more restrictive in times of conflict and humanitarian crises when the regular administrative and social service mechanisms that protect and support them are no longer in place.

Despite the robust normative framework in place to protect the rights of persons with disabilities in peacetime and in times of conflict, they are disproportionally negatively affected by conflict, including in accessing humanitarian aid. As conflicts unfold and escalate, persons with disabilities are often marginalized and excluded from evacuation and resettlement planning, humanitarian aid support, as well as peace and community engagement.

Women and girls with disabilities are subject to multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and violence and are often victims of sexual and gender-based violence. Women and girls with physical disabilities and mental disabilities are at higher risk of rape and other forms of sexual violence in both camps and other refugee settings. In the same vein, children with disabilities are more likely to experience sexual violence compared to their peers without disabilities. They often face barriers to accessing medical care, education and other essential services.

Noting that the normative framework for protection of persons with disabilities in conflict is based on human rights law and international human rights law, we must endeavor to strengthen its operationalization. Whilst there is a general understanding globally about the protection of civilians’ mandate, there is less awareness of the specific protections afforded to persons with disabilities in conflict situations in country settings.

Resolution 2475 (2019) aims to address this gap in awareness and action by requiring member states to proactively establish mechanisms that protect persons with disabilities during conflict, as well as by strengthening data-collection and reporting on persons with disabilities in conflict; building capacity and knowledge on the rights of persons with disabilities among peacebuilders and peacekeepers; and empowering persons with disabilities in conflict and postconflict situations. It is important that these proactive action steps be factored into all national, regional and global initiatives for addressing conflict and state building.
In this regard, Sierra Leone welcomes the adoption by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights of a Resolution on 6 November, 2024 aimed at advancing the ratification and effective implementation of the African Union Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa (“Protocol”) across the African continent. The ‘ACHPR resolution 617/2024’ calls on all African Union member states to take a series of proactive steps, including ratification of the Protocol; and implementation of the Protocol in consultation with persons with disabilities; amongst others.

Peacekeeping, peacebuilding and humanitarian interventions should be structured to address the diverse needs of persons with disabilities, through comprehensive consultations and needs assessment with persons with disabilities in conflict situations, for a better understanding of the physical and psycho-social challenges they face, and how to mitigate them. For instance, in many conflict situations persons with disabilities are often unable to undertake multiple relocations and find it difficult to travel to aid distribution sites, to stand in long queues for aid packages, or to transport these packages back to their locations. Widespread displacement in some conflict situations is also an additional challenge, with most IDP sites lacking essential services for persons with disabilities.

In addressing these and other challenges, it is important that community-based organizations working with the local people with disabilities on the ground are consulted and if possible, used as local implementing partners. Not only do these experts have a more nuanced understanding of the dynamics of the local population, but they are also trusted and respected by them. They can also be key in countering lack of information, improper information and misinformation. UNHCR, UNFPA, UN Women and other UN agencies have successfully partnered with local CSOs and organizations of people with disabilities to support those in conflict and humanitarian crises situations with humanitarian aid, dignity packages for women and girls, cash transfers, etc.

Sierra Leone fully supports Resolution 2475 and, as a country that has gone through the horrors of a war that left thousands disabled as a result of forced amputations, will do all it can to defend the rights of persons with disabilities wherever they may find themselves. Disability inclusion is engrained in our legislations, administrative regulations and policies guiding the Public and Civil services, education sector, health sector, amongst others. Our national development plans are consistent with the SDGs in promoting peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, reducing inequalities, and empowering and promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, regardless of age, sex, disability, or other status.

Mr. Chairman,

In closing, we emphasize that the Security Council has a unique role and the capability to ensure that the fundamental principles of IHL regulating the conduct of hostilities, including distinction, proportionality, and precaution, which are paramount in the protection of persons with disabilities are adhered to by parties to conflict and in humanitarian interventions.

Adoption of Resolution 2475 which proposes to hold states and persons accountable to “end impunity for criminal acts against civilians, including those with disabilities, and to ensure they have access to justice and effective remedies, and as appropriate, reparation” was a major step in the right direction and the periodic assessment of its implementation, as is being done in this instance, will ensure success.

I Thank you.