In a major move to strengthen the protection of rights for persons with disabilities (PwDs), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has pledged to take strict disciplinary actions against individuals and organizations that discriminate against this vulnerable group. The commission’s renewed commitment was made clear during a two-day workshop held on the 8th and 9th of October 2024, focused on the implementation and promotion of the human rights of PwDs in line with Nigeria’s Discrimination Against Persons 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.
The workshop, which took place in Abuja, was organized with support from Sightsavers, an international organization committed to preventing avoidable blindness and promoting the rights of PwDs. It brought together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, civil society, and advocacy groups, all of whom play vital roles in promoting disability inclusion across the country.
Speaking at the event, Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of the NHRC, represented by the Director of Legal Services, Hawa Rabiu, reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to ensuring that the rights of PwDs are fully upheld. He stressed the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding these rights and called on stakeholders to take their roles seriously in advocating for disability inclusion and mainstreaming.
“I urge you to be mindful of the roles and responsibilities identified in this workshop,” Ojukwu stated, “to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy their human rights to the fullest. This should be done with due regard to Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
He expressed optimism that the discussions and resolutions from the workshop would advance the rights of PwDs, not just in Nigeria but across the African continent.
Disability Rights are Human Rights
One of the key speakers at the workshop was Chief Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), represented by Soji Adewale, Director of Program, Research, and Statistics. Gufwan praised the NHRC and Sightsavers for organizing the event and underscored that disability rights are human rights that need to be upheld at all levels of society.
“There is a need for all stakeholders to advocate for the inclusion of persons with disabilities,” he said, emphasizing the importance of understanding how to address and interact with PwDs respectfully. Gufwan also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the NCPWD to empower PwDs, stating that when PwDs are empowered, they contribute meaningfully to the national economy, helping to grow the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“NCPWD, since its establishment in 2020, has worked diligently to ensure the implementation of the Disability Act in line with its mandate. What the NHRC is doing here complements our efforts, and we encourage other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to join in to create an inclusive society for PwDs.”
Fundamental Rights, Not Privileges
Jake Epelle, Executive Director of TAF Africa, also took to the stage, emphasizing that the rights of persons with disabilities are fundamental human rights, not privileges. Epelle underscored the fact that PwDs have the right to exist, be educated, move freely, and participate in all areas of society just like everyone else.
“The 2018 Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act is designed to ensure that in all areas of human endeavor, persons with disabilities are included,” Epelle said. “When we talk about inclusion, we must also talk about providing an accessible platform for them to participate.”
Epelle’s comments resonated with the workshop’s broader goal of addressing the pervasive discrimination PwDs face daily, particularly in the workplace, and the need for stakeholders across both public and private sectors to take action in promoting access and equal rights for PwDs.
Empowering Stakeholders to Drive Change
The workshop served as a vital platform for capacity-building, equipping stakeholders with the knowledge they need to promote and protect the rights of PwDs effectively. Several engaging topics were covered during the two-day event, each aimed at deepening participants’ understanding of disability rights and the roles they must play in ensuring these rights are respected.
Key sessions included:
- Understanding Disability and Discrimination, presented by Oluchi Adieze.
- Rights of Persons with Disabilities: A Focus on the Disability Act and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of PwDs, led by Yemisi Akhile.
- Introduction to the Disability Act and African Protocol, discussed by Esther Bature.
- Roles of Stakeholders in Promoting Disability Rights, presented by Chris Agbo.
- On Day 2, participants examined Mechanisms for Monitoring and Enforcement, led by Barr. Dahiru S. Bobbo; Challenges and Opportunities in Implementation, by Esther Bature; and Best Practices and Case Studies, delivered by Yemisi Akhile.
These sessions underscored the importance of a multi-sectoral approach to disability rights advocacy, where each stakeholder, whether in government, civil society, or the private sector, plays a critical role in the implementation of policies that protect the rights of PwDs.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Collaborative Action
In a bid to expedite the implementation of Nigeria’s disability laws and related African charters, the NHRC announced plans to form a special committee. This committee will consist of key actors involved in enforcing disability rights laws and treaties and will meet periodically to assess progress and evaluate strategies.
The aim of this committee is to accelerate the full implementation of Nigeria’s Disability Laws and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The NHRC remains confident that with increased vigilance and commitment from all stakeholders, significant strides will be made toward building a truly inclusive society where PwDs can enjoy their rights and contribute to national development.
As the workshop concluded, it left participants with a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility. The collective resolve was clear: safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative. By ensuring that discrimination against PwDs is met with strong, enforceable actions, Nigeria is taking important steps toward an inclusive future for all its citizens.
