Key Points

• Individuals with disabilities urge the implementation of Nigeria’s 2018 disability rights law.  
• SightSavers unveils a mural in Abuja to raise awareness of disability issues ahead of the UNGA Summit.  
• Advocates emphasize the importance of including persons with disabilities in decision-making processes.

The need for inclusivity and implementation of disability policies

Individuals with disabilities have expressed dissatisfaction with the absence of infrastructure, educational opportunities, and supportive policies that impede their quality of life and lead to uneven prospects. 

Ahead of the high-level Summit of the Future at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, with the theme “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations,” 

They raised these concerns on Wednesday during the unveiling of a mural made by Sightsavers Nigeria at the Area One roundabout in Abuja.

The summit will take place at the UN Headquarters in New York on September 22–23.

According to a report by Punch, President Muhammadu Buhari enacted the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 on January 23, 2019.

The legislation forbids discrimination on the grounds of handicap and punishes violators with fines and jail terms. Additionally, it establishes a five-year transitional time for the conversion of public buildings, structures, and vehicles into wheelchair-accessible and useable spaces.

In addition, the bill would create a National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, whose duties will include making sure that these individuals have access to housing, healthcare, and education, among other things. 

Chris Agbo, Secretary-General of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, insists that authorities must enforce the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act.

The law prohibits discrimination based on a handicap and imposes fines and jail sentences on offenders. It also specifies a transition period of five years for the renovation of public buildings, structures, and automobiles into wheelchair-accessible and usable areas. 

The measure would also establish a National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, whose responsibilities would include, among other things, ensuring that these people had access to housing, healthcare, and education. 

Advocacy for the removal of societal barriers

The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities’ Secretary-General, Chris Agbo, believes authorities must implement the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act.

It is crucial that we make use of this chance to educate the public and duty-bearers on the rights of people with disabilities to use these services. PWDs deserve access to economic, health, and educational opportunities.

The main topic of discussion while discussing disabilities is the obstacles that society has put in place. “Therefore, this is a chance to inform the public that some of these obstacles must be removed in order for PWDs to have access to opportunities and resources,” he continued.

Benjamin Isaac, a JONAPWD member, emphasized that including PWDs in decision-making processes allows them to identify their issues and work toward addressing them.

The role of young PWDs in sustainable development

Esther Bature, the country advocacy coordinator for SightSavers, pointed out that the UNGA conference this coming week offers a chance for world leaders to talk about the advancement and application of the Sustainable Development Goals, with an emphasis on PWD inclusiveness.

 “With this mural, we hope to raise awareness of the experiences and voices of young people with disabilities,” Bature stated. 

It will be on display at the UNGA’s Summit of the Future. The voices of young people with impairments are what we are concentrating on.

If given a seat at the table and the opportunity to participate in important discussions that affect them, we think young people with disabilities have a lot to contribute. 

“Therefore, we painted this mural to make sure that the voices of young PWDs are heard and to raise awareness of the upcoming Summit of the Future at UNGA.” 

In order to provide equitable opportunities for all, she also emphasized the importance of implementing the SDGs to promote inclusivity for PWDs, notably in the areas of health, education, and economic empowerment.