Abdusalam Shlebak

Libyan law wasn't a support for us to lean on, or Libya a place that embraced our disabilities, but we will not give up until we secure our rights in our own country.

My name is Abdusalam Shlebak, and I am a disability rights advocate.

As a child, I was struck by a fever that took away my ability to walk. With time, this loss taught me a lot. While undergoing years of treatment in Belgrade, I realized that I wasn't going to make my wheelchair a burden, but rather a platform that I could convey a message to awaken the world and return rights to their rightful owners.

I was shocked upon returning to Libya in 1983. I had hope, but even the sidewalks weren't wide enough for me. The schools didn’t see me as a student, but rather as an exception they couldn’t handle. Still, I didn’t give up, I chose to rely on myself and become an agent of change.

In 2007, I began advocating through blogging. I was part of the Libyan Paralympic Committee in 2008, creating content that told stories of champions overcoming their disabilities in sports. In 2009, I became the first government employee to work remotely, supervising the Social Security Fund Authority's website.

I participated in conferences to raise my voice, and I have struggled to improve our situation in this country, but all my efforts were in vain! Libyan law does not recognize our right to fair employment, while the state ignores our need for accessible infrastructure, sufficient pensions, and treatment that preserves our dignity! I began calling for amendments to the Libyan Disability Law No. 5 of 1987 and the Basic Pensions Law of 1985. These outdated laws do not meet our needs nor align with the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, which Libya has ratified.

Through my journey, I never looked for sympathy as much as I yearned to restore our stolen rights. It is time we take part in shaping our future. I hope my voice will be a cue for decision makers. Meeting our demands isn't a luxury, but rather a vital step to social justice.