MONROVIA, Liberia — September 21, 2026 — Human rights and disability rights activist Elijah Manyon of Liberia is pressing forward on two fronts: a public petition calling on Liberia's National Legislature to grant affirmative action to persons with disabilities, and grassroots leadership with the Christian Association of the Blind (CAB) Liberia.

As the organizer of the petition "Democracy Sees no Label: Affirmative Action for the Disabled in Liberia's Parliament," Manyon is calling on lawmakers to guarantee political representation for persons with disabilities in the country's democratic process. "Stand with us, as we reshape our democracy for the betterment of all," he says.

Manyon, a leader with the Christian Association of the Blind (CAB) Liberia, was reported leading more than 150 visually impaired members of the organization in a peaceful demonstration at Liberia's Ministry of Justice, demanding security protection for the CAB Resource Learning Center in Paynesville after repeated criminal raids on the facility.

"Nothing about us without us," says Manyon. "Equality is the essence of democracy, and true inclusion is its lifeblood."

Through CAB and the RISE Program Liberia, Manyon's program work spans advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities, including efforts around sexual and gender-based violence prevention and the push to advance Liberia's disability legislation.

About the Christian Association of the Blind (CAB) Liberia: CAB Liberia is a disability-led organization advancing the rights, welfare, and inclusion of blind and visually impaired persons in Liberia. Through program work, advocacy, and partnerships with national and international organizations, CAB empowers persons with disabilities to participate fully in community, economic, and civic life.

Contact: Elijah Manyon, Human Rights and Disability Rights Activist. Email: [email protected]. Phone: +231881110669. Monrovia, Liberia.