Harmonizing Customary Justice with the International Rule of Law? Lessons from Post-Conflict Sierra Leone

Perspectives on Disabilities in Sierra Leone

“…For example, during the 2015 census, physical disabilities were separated into 13 different categories (e.g., polio, amputee, blind, deaf), whereas mental disabilities were included in only three categories (i.e., mental difficulties, psychiatric disability, and other; Kabia & Tarawally, 2017). Part of the reason for this dichotomous characterization of disability stems from Sierra Leone’s history and the social and political policies in place (Sesay, 2020). Sierra Leone was part of a decade-long civil war (1991–2002) that resulted in many people losing limbs and acquiring physical disabilities.…”

“…Sierra Leone was part of a decade-long civil war (1991–2002) that resulted in many people losing limbs and acquiring physical disabilities. Furthermore, the war exacerbated the challenges associated with being a low-income country, namely draining already limited resources and damaging already limited infrastructure (Sesay, 2020). In addition, postwar policy has focused more on physical impairment and trauma, and there is a significant lack of support for, and focus on, mental disabilities.…”