A blog of the British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone
“Let’s stop “tolerating” or “accepting” difference, as if we’re so much better for not being different in the first place. Instead, let’s celebrate difference, because in this world it takes a lot of guts to be different.” – Kate Bornstein
The closing ceremony for the 2012 London Olympics was spectacular. Some of those watching TV in my living room that night had suspiciously moist eyes. And that’s high praise indeed from worldly wise, stiff-upper-lip Brits. Now that the razzmatazz is over, the colour has faded and the fireworks smoke has cleared the 2012 Olympic Games seem don – don… or are they? (Photo: Ian Hughes, British High Commissioner, Sierra Leone)
Far from it! In a couple of days, the 2012 Paralympic Games will start!
Normally the Paralympics attract fewer sponsors and draw smaller crowds. Not this time. Ticket sales are booming and record crowds are anticipated. Preparations are bustling to a conclusion, not only for the athletes and officials but for a global audience in an increasingly inclusive world. This welcome change demonstrates that all people matter, all people count and all people deserve the chance to show what they can do. Good for him! I understand that Mohamed Kamara will represent Sierra Leone at the Paralympics: let’s cheer him on!
The appearance by Oscar Pistorius, the first ever Olympic “blade runner” is one of the biggest signs that skill, determination and talent are all that an athlete needs to earn our respect. Pistorius was unsuccessful in medals terms, but was a winner in every other sense of the word. He showed himself worthy of competing against all comers. Good for him!
Physical challenges or disability should not hold us back. Disabled people should not be judged by what they can’t do, but what they can do. And perceived impairments and health conditions do not limit a disabled person’s ability to perform a particular role. And in today’s global economic downturn, making the most of the skills and talent of everyone has never made more sense.
The starting point is a legal framework and institutions that promote equality. Sierra Leone’s new National Commission for Persons with Disability is a big step forward for this country. But there is still much to do so long as Sierra Leoneans with disability face prejudice or ignorance. They need and deserve understanding and support from society and government. They need and deserve amenities to enable the broad community interaction we all expect.
Sierra Leone is in better shape in this than some: in too many countries engagement with disabled groups is limited to medical intervention or segregation from society. Disability should not be dealt with in a silo but as an issue of concern for all government departments, across civil society and for every citizen. Inclusion should be the aspiration of all of us – and resourced proportionally. I hope Sierra Leone will be a role model in this in exactly the same way she has blazed a trail towards democracy that inspires others.
I also applaud the recent progress made correcting longstanding neglect of women and youths.
Society is coming to understand and appreciate their value and creating opportunities for them to contribute more fully in nation building. Across the world, and particularly in Africa, women are taking up positions of power and influence. From members and heads of key institutions to heads of states, women are taking a rightful place in decision making. Remember, Mama Salone is a young lady: let’s give her daughters a chance.
In many African countries youths are feared as perpetrators of violence whereas too often they are its victims. Fortunately this unhelpful prejudice is now being outgrown. Youths are sought after as ready, willing and able contributors to development: their energy, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship are encouraged and nurtured.
I agree with Kate Bornstein: the right of all citizens to participate equally in the rights, duties and privileges of our society should be enshrined in the very core of our culture. We must encourage mutual respect and better understand of disability issues if we are to confront and eliminate negative perceptions leading to a more inclusive society.
It is impossible for us all to be alike. In fact I believe we should view difference in the widest sense of the word as a source of innovation and creativity. But we can, and it is our duty to ensure, we are all treated as equals. Let’s work together to make this dream come true.
Ian Hughes, British High Commisioner » Freetown, Sierra Leone
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