Stakeholders from Nigeria’s justice system and disability rights organizations have called on the federal government to prioritize providing equitable access to justice for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). They stressed the importance of creating a more inclusive justice system, starting with the provision of sign language interpreters in courtrooms and installing ramps in public spaces to accommodate PWDs.
During a dialogue held on Sunday, stakeholders highlighted various barriers that PWDs face when seeking justice. Organized by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), the event sought to address systemic challenges, including infrastructure, financial constraints, and communication gaps that hinder access to justice for PWDs.
Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, a legal expert in migration and human rights law, presented a paper that emphasized the role of awareness campaigns and stressed the urgency of making courtrooms more accessible. “We must provide sign language services in courtrooms to guarantee fair hearings for PWDs,” she stated.
Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, called for increased public awareness and the adoption of assistive technologies to support PWDs in the legal system, stressing that the justice system should not only protect but empower vulnerable groups.
Representing the Controller General of Correctional Services, Dr. Glory Essien delivered a goodwill message, calling for reforms in the criminal justice system to ensure that PWDs receive adequate support during incarceration and that correctional facilities are equipped to meet their needs.