The Christian Association of the Blind (CAB) has raised concerns over gaps in Liberia’s proposed National Disability Rights, Inclusion and Support Act of 2026, warning that the draft legislation omits several protections contained in the 2005 disability law.
In a section-by-section review of the 65-page draft, CAB welcomed the government’s efforts to reform disability legislation but urged authorities to address what it described as significant shortcomings before the bill reaches the Legislature.
The organization said it supports President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s agenda for persons with disabilities and considers its review a contribution toward strengthening the proposed law.
Among CAB’s major concerns is the removal of a provision in the 2005 Act requiring officials of the National Commission on Disabilities (NCD) to be “qualified disabled persons.”
According to the organization, the new draft contains no equivalent requirement, potentially allowing the commission to be led entirely by people without disabilities.
CAB argued that persons with disabilities should have a guaranteed leadership role in an institution established to protect their rights and advance their interests.
The review also identified the omission of two provisions from the 2005 law: a requirement that persons with disabilities constitute at least four percent of employees in covered institutions and a provision for three seats in the National Legislature for persons with disabilities.
Neither provision appears in the proposed legislation, CAB said.
The organization further questioned the draft’s institutional arrangements, noting that it identifies a “Minister responsible for disability affairs” as the lead coordinating authority without specifying the ministry.
CAB also expressed concern about a proposed Oversight Body empowered to issue binding decisions enforceable as court orders, while the draft reportedly fails to explain how its members would be appointed.
The review noted that the NCD would be prohibited from exercising enforcement or adjudicative powers under the proposed framework, while the body expected to assume those functions could take up to six months to become operational.
According to CAB, the draft also lacks transition arrangements to protect existing NCD staff, assets and programs.
Other concerns include leaving criminal penalties for violations to future regulations and failing to identify the court and deadline for appeals against decisions made under the proposed law.
CAB also questioned the process through which the document is being circulated and validated as a draft act before its formal introduction in the Legislature.
The organization referenced the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities’ concluding observations on Liberia issued in March 2026, arguing that the proposed legislation does not yet provide the level of protection needed to address concerns raised by the international body.
CAB is calling on the government, the Legislature and other stakeholders to address the identified gaps before the bill is passed into law.
The organization said strengthening the legislation would support the administration’s disability inclusion agenda and help ensure that persons with disabilities receive adequate legal protection and meaningful participation in national affairs.
CAB reaffirmed its commitment to engaging constructively with the legislative process and invited further dialogue with the drafters to address the concerns raised in its review.
The Christian Association of the Blind is a Liberian institution of blind persons working to promote the rights, inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities across the country.
