Traditional rulers, healthcare professionals, government representatives, organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), civil society organisations, religious leaders, security agencies and community members have called for greater inclusion and protection of the rights of persons with psychosocial disabilities during a community dialogue held in Karu, Abuja.
The dialogue, organised by the Yamban-Kabati African Foundation (YKAF) under the Rights in Action (RiA) Project, brought together persons with psychosocial disabilities and over 65 women to address stigma, discrimination and barriers to accessing healthcare, education, employment and other opportunities.
Participants noted that despite the provisions of Nigeria’s Mental Health Act, many persons with psychosocial disabilities continue to experience discrimination, exclusion from decision-making, limited access to affordable mental healthcare and other rights violations.
They also highlighted findings from the Political Economy and Gender Assessment (PEGA), which showed that women and girls with psychosocial disabilities face heightened risks due to the combined effects of gender inequality and disability discrimination.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Yamban-Kabati African Foundation described mental health as a human rights issue, stressing the need for communities to embrace understanding, inclusion and respect for the dignity of every individual.
The dialogue concluded with participants committing to challenge stigma, strengthen community support systems and promote the effective implementation of Nigeria’s Mental Health Act while reaffirming the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us.”
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