In a passionate appeal aimed at rallying support for his candidacy, Dr. Christopher Nwanoro, a prominent disability rights activist, is urging Nigeria and Africa to endorse his bid to represent persons with disabilities (PWDs) on the UN Committee on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Speaking during an interview with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Mr. Nwanoro, who himself is visually impaired, shed light on the challenges confronting PWDs in the country and emphasized the importance of providing them with the necessary support to navigate their daily lives with ease.
Nominated by the Federal Government in 2022 to potentially serve as Nigeria and Africa’s representative in the upcoming UN CRPD elections slated for June 11, Mr. Nwanoro expressed confidence in his ability to effectively chair the committee based on his track record of advocacy and activism both nationally and continentally.
“The UN CRPD is a vital platform tasked with safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities, ensuring accessibility, and combating discrimination,” remarked Mr. Nwanoro. “If elected, I am committed to bridging the gap between the West and the South, particularly in terms of promoting accessibility and nondiscrimination for PWDs across Nigeria and Africa.”
Highlighting his key focus areas, Mr. Nwanoro underscored the pressing need to enhance the accessibility of public buildings for PWDs, emphasizing that his tenure on the committee would bring about tangible improvements in the lives of individuals with disabilities.
“We must provide assistive devices to enable PWDs to lead independent lives, as is the norm in other cultures,” he emphasized. “Equal rights and opportunities should be afforded to all, irrespective of ability.”
Mr. Nwanoro’s candidacy represents a significant opportunity to amplify the voices of PWDs on the global stage and address the prevailing challenges of discrimination and marginalization faced by the community.
As he continues to garner support for his candidacy, Mr. Nwanoro remains steadfast in his commitment to championing disability rights and fostering inclusivity on the international platform, where every individual is accorded equal dignity and respect, regardless of their abilities.
