The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) program has taken a significant step toward enforcing the Anambra State Disability Rights Law of 2018 by activating the Legal Services Department within the State’s Disability Rights Commission (DRC). This move aims to ensure that persons with disabilities can fully exercise their rights under the law.
As part of RoLAC’s second phase, a one-day workshop was held to empower cluster heads of the disability community. The workshop aimed to educate them on the provisions of the law and how they can leverage it to seek redress for rights violations.
Josephine Onah, RoLAC’s State Project Coordinator, highlighted that 12 lawyers from the Ministry of Justice have been enlisted to offer free legal services to individuals within the disability community. She expressed concern that despite the law being enacted in 2018 and the commission inaugurated in 2022, it has not been fully utilized by the community.
“The law has been underutilized, which is a missed opportunity for those it was meant to protect,” Onah stated. “We are committed to ensuring that the disability community enjoys the full benefits of the law. This initiative is designed to put an end to violations of the rights of persons with disabilities.”
She urged members of the disability community to help raise awareness about RoLAC’s interventions and to engage with the law through platforms such as social media.
“We have mobilized 12 trained lawyers to provide free legal services, aiming to end all forms of discrimination against persons with disabilities,” Onah added.
Chuks Ezewuzie, Chairman of the Disability Rights Commission, emphasized the importance of enforcement, urging the community to take action. “You have the law on your side; now it’s time to use it,” Ezewuzie remarked. He thanked Governor Charles Soludo for the commission’s new budget and digitalized operations, which are critical for implementing the law.
In a goodwill message, Commissioner for Special Duties, Beverly Nkemdiche-Ikpeazu, encouraged the disability community not to relent until they have dismantled societal prejudice and discrimination. She assured that needs submitted through the commission would be addressed.
The event concluded with presentations on the law’s key provisions, including potential revenue opportunities for the disability community. Notable attendees included Mrs. Chinwe Achugbu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare.