The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in the country by ensuring that strict disciplinary actions are taken against individuals and organizations that discriminate against them.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, represented by the Director of Legal Services, Hawa Rabiu, made this statement at the opening of a two-day workshop. The event was aimed at highlighting the roles of key stakeholders in the implementation and promotion of the human rights of PwDs.
During the event, the Executive Secretary urged stakeholders to remain vigilant in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities.
“I urge you to be mindful of the roles and responsibilities identified in this workshop, to ensure disability inclusion and mainstreaming for the full enjoyment of human rights by persons with disabilities. 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. We are confident that the discussions and resolutions from this platform will pave the way for the advancement of the rights of persons with disabilities, not only in Nigeria but across Africa as a whole.”
Also speaking at the workshop, Jake Epelle, the Executive Director of TAF Africa, emphasized, “The rights of persons with disabilities are not granted out of privilege but as a matter of fundamental rights. We have the right to exist, to be educated, and to move freely, just like everyone else.”
He further added, “The 2018 Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Act is designed to ensure that in all areas of human endeavor, persons with disabilities are included. When we include them, we must also provide an accessible platform.”
Other speakers at the workshop called on both the private and public sectors to promote access and equal rights for persons with disabilities.
The two-day workshop was organized to address the discrimination PwDs face daily, especially in the workplace, and to safeguard their rights.