The National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD) joins the nation in solemn reflection as Sierra Leone observes its First National Remembrance Day on January 18th 2026. This day carries profound significance, especially for our compatriots who endured the gravest consequences of the conflict, Amputees and War Wounded, Persons with Disabilities, whose courage, resilience, and dignity continue to inspire the nation.
As we honour those who survived unimaginable atrocities, we also acknowledge the enduring socio-economic barriers they face. Many still live with limited access to healthcare, mobility support, livelihood opportunities, psychosocial assistance, and meaningful inclusion in national development. Their lived experiences remind us that remembrance must go beyond ceremony. It must propel action.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report provided clear and compelling recommendations on the rehabilitation, recognition, and support of Amputees and War Wounded. These recommendations remain as relevant today as the day they were written. They call for sustained government commitment, targeted interventions, and the creation of systems that secure dignity, equity, and justice for these survivors.
The NCPD reiterates that the rights and welfare of Amputees and War Wounded are integral to the national vision of building an inclusive and compassionate Sierra Leone. As the statutory body mandated to promote, protect, and ensure the full inclusion of persons with disabilities, the Commission is committed to advancing the TRC’s recommendations and ensuring that survivors receive the support and recognition they deserve.
Today, we pledge the Commission’s readiness to work closely with the central government, development partners, civil society, and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities to restore the dignity of Amputees and War-Wounded. This includes advocating for appropriate social protection measures, improving access to assistive devices and medical care, strengthening livelihood opportunities, and ensuring that their voices remain central in all policy and programmatic decisions that affect them.
National Remembrance Day is a call to collective responsibility. Let us recommit ourselves—not only to remembering the past, but to building a future where Amputees and War Wounded live with full dignity, rights, and opportunities.
Together, we honour. Together, we remember. Together, we work for a more inclusive Sierra Leone.