Umuahia, May 29, 2024 – In a significant step towards addressing the intersection of disability rights and climate change, the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) presented the findings of a comprehensive report on disability-inclusive climate change adaptation and mitigation in Abia State. The public presentation, held on Tuesday in Umuahia, brought together members of the media, civil society organizations, and the disability community, among others.
Supported by the Disability Rights Fund, the CCD conducted an extensive survey to evaluate the effectiveness of policy and legal frameworks concerning disability rights and climate change in Abia. The findings, presented by Dr. Queensley Chukwudum, revealed a concerning gap in the integration of these critical areas.
Survey Findings
Dr. Chukwudum, an African Union Scholar and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Insurance and Risk Management at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, highlighted the poor effectiveness of policies and legal frameworks related to disability rights and climate change, which stood at a mere 12 percent. In contrast, the state scored a much higher 68 percent in the effectiveness of policy and legal frameworks specifically on disability rights.
The survey sampled 104 respondents from the Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) community, with a demographic split of 53.85 percent males and 46.2 percent females. This detailed assessment aimed to understand the specific needs, barriers, and opportunities for PWDs in the context of climate variability and extreme weather events.
Key Recommendations
Dr. Chukwudum outlined several tailored interventions to address the needs of PWDs in Abia amidst climate challenges:
- Heat Stress Programs: Establishment of cooling centers and tree planting initiatives.
- Inclusive Recreation: Development of accessible recreational spaces.
- Upgrade of Bus Stops: Ensuring public transport infrastructure is disability-friendly.
- Inclusive Health Strategies: Enhancing health services to be more accessible and inclusive.
- Resilient Agriculture: Promoting agricultural practices that can withstand climate impacts.
- Accessible Infrastructure: Building infrastructure that accommodates the needs of PWDs.
- Financial Inclusion: Providing financial services and opportunities tailored to PWDs.
- Flood Preparedness: Improving measures to protect PWDs during flood events.
Stakeholder Responses
Dr. Chidoziem Egwuonwu, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive of the Abia State Health Insurance Agency, underscored the survey’s importance. He emphasized that PWDs are included in the state’s Basic Health Care Provision Fund, which grants them 100 percent free access to healthcare services. This inclusion is a critical step towards ensuring that PWDs receive necessary medical support without financial barriers.
Mrs. Joy Maduka, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, affirmed the state government’s commitment to tackling climate change. Represented by Mr. Ike Onyekachi, Maduka shared that Governor Alex Otti’s administration established the Department of Climate Change within the ministry to address these issues proactively. The ministry expressed its interest in collaborating with CCD to integrate the survey’s findings into its inaugural Climate Change Policy and Action Plans.
Baseline Comprehensive Assessment
Earlier in the event, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, Acting Director of CCD, described the survey as a baseline comprehensive assessment aimed at identifying the specific needs and challenges faced by PWDs in the context of climate change. This assessment is intended to inform better policy-making and implementation to create a more inclusive environment for all residents of Abia.
Conclusion
The CCD’s report highlights the urgent need for more effective and inclusive policies to protect PWDs from the impacts of climate change. By recommending specific, actionable interventions, the findings aim to foster a more inclusive and resilient future for all residents of Abia. Stakeholders at the event unanimously agreed to escalate these issues within their respective domains, working towards comprehensive action and policy integration to address the needs highlighted in the report.
This collaborative effort between CCD, the government, and various stakeholders marks a pivotal step towards creating a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient society that leaves no one behind in the fight against climate change.
