In preparation for the upcoming Global Disability Summit (GDS) scheduled to take place in Germany this April, the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) has taken proactive steps to ensure the voices of marginalized groups are heard and represented.
The association recently convened a one-day hybrid validation workshop, aimed at finalizing policy recommendations and advocacy strategies to present to the Nigerian government. The event, funded by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF) and organized in collaboration with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), brought together various disability clusters, including persons with albinism, the intellectually disabled, little people, and the deaf and blind communities.
The workshop served as a platform to harmonize the demands of these clusters and ensure their priorities are reflected in Nigeria’s commitments at the GDS.
“A Rare Opportunity to Demand Accountability” – Dr. Bamishe
Speaking at the event, Dr. Bisi Bamishe, National President of the Albinism Association of Nigeria, described the Global Disability Summit as a pivotal moment for holding governments accountable.
“The GDS is a unique platform where nations commit to tangible actions for the disability community. For too long, marginalized groups like persons with albinism, the intellectually disabled, little people, the blind, and the deaf have been overlooked. This summit is an opportunity to change that,” Dr. Bamishe said.
She highlighted the collaborative nature of the workshop, stating that the recommendations were developed with input from multiple stakeholders, including the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).
“These clusters have been brought together to articulate their challenges, priorities, and needs. Their input will form part of Nigeria’s official commitments at the GDS, which we will present through JONAPWD, the umbrella body for persons with disabilities in Nigeria,” she added.
Dr. Bamishe emphasized the importance of implementation, noting that the commitments made at the summit must not remain mere promises.
“When we return from the GDS, we will hold a press conference to inform the public about the commitments our government has made. This transparency will enable us to hold the government accountable and ensure these commitments are fulfilled,” she stated.
She also expressed gratitude to the Disability Rights Fund for their support and commended the resilience of marginalized groups, particularly the albinism community, whose lived experiences shaped the policy recommendations.
Challenges of Marginalized Groups Take Center Stage
Opeyemi Oladimeji, Organizational Development Consultant for the Albinism Association of Nigeria, echoed the call for urgent government intervention. He stressed that health remains a critical area where persons with disabilities require support.
“Health is one of the primary reasons why this commitment is so important. Many persons with disabilities face unique health challenges that the government needs to address,” Oladimeji said.
He also highlighted other pressing issues, including limited access to education, lack of economic opportunities, and persistent social stigmatization.
Legal Frameworks in Limbo
A major concern raised during the workshop was the lack of implementation of existing legal frameworks, particularly the National Disability Act.
“We have a lot of laws and commitments, but very few of them are being implemented. Take the National Disability Act, for example. It outlines beautiful provisions to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, but almost five years after its passage, little has been achieved,” Oladimeji lamented.
He noted that while federal implementation is lagging, state governments are even further behind, with only about 15% of states domesticating the Act.
“If the federal government is not taking action, state governments are even worse. We need to hold all levels of government accountable to ensure this Act is fully implemented nationwide,” he said.
The Way Forward: Advocacy and Accountability
The workshop concluded with a resounding call for collective action to address the challenges faced by marginalized groups and ensure the commitments made at the GDS are implemented.
“This is not just about us; it’s about ensuring that the rights of all persons with disabilities are safeguarded. The National Disability Act is a law that applies to the entire country, and everyone must see to its full implementation,” Oladimeji emphasized.
With the GDS just months away, the Albinism Association of Nigeria and its partners are determined to use the summit as a platform to push for meaningful change. By amplifying the voices of marginalized groups and holding the government accountable, they hope to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
A Unified Front for Change
As Nigeria prepares to present its commitments at the GDS, the collaboration between advocacy groups like AAN, JONAPWD, and NCPWD highlights the power of unity in driving progress. With the support of the Disability Rights Fund and the resilience of marginalized communities, the disability community in Nigeria is poised to make its demands heard on a global stage.
The journey ahead may be challenging, but with sustained advocacy and accountability, the commitments made at the GDS could pave the way for a brighter future for persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
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