Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting disability inclusion through the full instrumentality of its robust mandate and connections.
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu SAN, OFR, who was represented by Hajia Rabiu Awah, stated this in his welcome address at the two-day workshop on the roles of relevant stakeholders in the implementation and promotion of the Human Rights of Persons with disabilities in accordance with the Discrimination against person with disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and people’s Rights on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities held on the 8th and 9th October, 2024 in Abuja.
Dr. Ojukwu expressed the Commission’s appreciation and commendation to SightSavers for their support and partnership in ensuring the actualization of the workshop and their over 60 years presence in Nigeria, which has ensured access to eye healthcare to millions of Nigerians, particularly for Persons with disabilities.
He also stated: “The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities whose core mandate is to coordinate and implement activities that guarantee full inclusion of Persons with disabilities into the society is equally appreciated for their commitment in ensuring an inclusive society for Persons with disabilities. I also extend my warm welcome to the heads of various organisations present from the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, and their respective representatives, organisations of Persons with disabilities, Faith-based and Civil Society organizations among others for your determination in promoting Disability inclusion. We are all aware of the numerous myths around disability which consequently amount to various rights abuses and violations against persons with disabilities ranging from discrimination, exclusion and other harmful traditional practices due to lack of awareness on disability rights”.
According to Ojukwu, the workshop is aimed at promoting disability inclusion and human rights of all citizens living in Nigeria, including the rights of persons with disabilities. He further stated: “We have mainstreamed disability in all the activities and programmes of NHRC such as Establishment of the Vulnerable Groups Department; Appointment of Desk Officers on the Rights of Persons with disabilities in all the 36 State offices of the Commission; Compliance withthe building code to ensure accessibility at some new structures of the state offices; Awareness creation/Sensitization on the Rights of Persons with disabilities in the suburban disability communities; A designated parking lot for Persons with disabilities; Provision of of ramps, functional elevators; Sign Language interpreter; Employment of Persons with disabilities; Strong relationship with organisation of persons with disabilities (OPDs) among other efforts”.
He also added: “As you return to your respective organisation, after the workshop, I implore you to be conscious of the roles and responsibilities identified in this workshop to ensuring disability inclusion and mainstreaming for the full enjoyment of human rights by Persons with disabilities, while bearing in mind Article 1 of the Universal Delaration of Human Rights that stress all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”.
Earlier, in his keynote address, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with disabilities, Dr. Ayuba Burki Gufwa, who was represented by Mr. Olasoji Adewole noted that the basic challenge of persons of disabilities is discrimination and non inclusion by providing accessible platforms. He called for advocacy and enlightenment for attidunal change. He also expressed his hope that with the workshop, the issue of discrimination became a thing of the past in Nigeria and all over the world.
There were also goodwill messages from SightSavers, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Dipo Olajoku, the Deputy National Chairman, IPAC, Jake Epelle, CEO/ Founder TAFAfrica.
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