Advancing disability inclusion: NHRC inaugurates technical working group
By Edith Nwapi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has inaugurated disability inclusion Technical Working Group for the implementation of the Disability Rights Act 2018.
The consultative meeting and inauguration was organised by NHRC with support from Sightsavers international.
The Executive secretary, NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu (SAN) said that it was a collective effort and commitment to advancing disability inclusion in respective organisations and policies.
Ojukwu was represented by the Head, Economic and Socio-Cultural Rights Department of the commission, Mr Harry Obe.
He noted that in driving these efforts and commitment, the NHRC, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and other stakeholders with support from Sightsavers pushed for the signing and ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (ADP).
Ojukwu said that the event reflected a commitment towards ensuring the implementation of the ADP through actionable policies and programmes.
He recalled that the establishment of a Technical Working Group was one of the resolutions at a workshop organised by NHRC with the support from Sightsavers on October 8 and 9, 2024.
“To this end the establishment of this Technical Working Group is, therefore, in accordance with Articles 33 and 34 of the ADP (African Disability Protocol) to build capacities and ensure full participation as well as designate mechanisms to monitor the implementation of the Protocol.
“Therefore, the Disability Inclusion Technical Working Group is a multi-stakeholder one as members are drawn from various organisations for the implementation of ADP and other related legislation that will strengthen coordination, mainstreaming, and technical support for inclusive policies, programmes, and practices.
“It is a crucial step forward in our journey toward creating more inclusive environments where persons with disabilities realise their potential which aligns with the NHRC’s purpose of establishment to create an enabling environment for the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights of everyone living in Nigeria” he said.
Speaking for Sightsavers, Joy Tarbo, Communication Officer, representing the Country Director, Prof. Joy Shuaibu, said the inauguration was a step forward.
She noted that behind every law and every policy were people – men, women, boys and girls, with dreams, hopes, and the right to live with dignity and equality.
“Together, we can make sure that these commitments are not just on paper,
but that they are lived-in realities of people with disabilities across Nigeria and beyond,” she said.
Also speaking, Ayuba Gutwan, Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) noted that inclusion becomes necessary in the areas of Access to work, Accessibility Compliance, Advocacy and Sensitisation and collaborative efforts with like-minded MDAs.
“A multi-pronged action and strategy towards the inclusion of persons with disabilities will help us to make that overdue impact in the administration and enforcement of the rights of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
“Stakeholders must decide whether the protocol should be domesticated or its implementation be subsumed under our domestic Act for fear of duplicity.
“We will continue to put the right measures in place and support progressive collaboration for best outcomes,” he said.
For European Union, Ms Winifred Achu said that access to bank services was an issue for Persons with Disabilities.
She noted that Nigeria had the laws but many people were not aware of them and suggested awareness at all levels.
She pledged the support of the European Union in implementation and actualisation of the Disabilities Act and the protocol.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the members of the working group cut across all ministries, agencies and many civil society organisations. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)
Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Deborah Coker
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