The United Nations (UN) Women and other stakeholders on Monday, called on Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri to assent to the bill promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Adamawa.
Mrs Amina Bello, the National Programme Officer, UN Women, made the call during a policy dialogue on Enhancing Inclusion of Women with Disabilities (WWDs) in peace and security decision-making, in Yola.
The programme sponsored by the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund (NHF) had in attendance disability rights advocates, PWDs, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), government agencies, among others.
Bello emphasised that the rights of PWDs are human rights and stressed the need for robust measures, policies, and legislation to protect those rights.
“Adamawa is in the process of passing a bill to re-enact the PWD Commission into law.
” The bill has been passed by the State House of Assembly and is currently awaiting the governor’s assent.
“All stakeholders must continue to advocate for a comprehensive legal framework that guarantees the rights of PWDs.
“This will ensure their meaningful inclusion in all aspects of society and enable them to access social, economic, and political opportunities without hindrance,” she said.
Bello noted that the policy dialogue created a unique platform for WWDs, government agencies, and other stakeholders to engage in constructive discussion.
“Participants developed a Joint Action Plan that identified key challenges and proposed actionable solutions.
“The meeting also integrated WWDs into women-led peace structures such as the Mixed Observation Team and the Women Mediation Network,” she said.
Also speaking, Mrs Rukaiyatu Tahir, Principal Welfare Officer, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, said peacebuilding among WWDs was a core mandate of the ministry.
“The rehabilitation department ensures the inclusion of WWDs in peacebuilding processes.
“We work to protect their rights and shield them from discrimination and stigmatisation.
“The ministry also empowers them to be independent and productive, reducing their reliance on street begging,” Tahir added.
In her remarks, Mrs Jamila Babuba, Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), said the organisation continues to strengthen advocacy efforts for WWDs.
According to her, “FIDA provides accessible legal aid through pro bono services and ensures legal support considering mobility and communication challenges.
“We also advocate for inclusive legal frameworks that incorporate disability rights into post-conflict legal reforms,” Babuba said.
She stressed the importance of the unique needs of WWDs be reflected in new laws and policies that guarantees their rights.
NAN reports that on March 27, the Adamawa House of Assembly passed a bill to prohibit all forms of discrimination against Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
The bill, which repeals the Adamawa Disability Rights Commission Law No. 14 of 2016 and enacts the Adamawa State Persons with Disability Law Commission, aims to ensure the full integration of PWDs into society.
NAN reports that the bill, sponsored by Hon. Yohanna Jauro, the representative of Mubi South Constituency, was one of four crucial legislations passed by the house.
It seeks to create a legal framework that guarantees the rights of persons with disabilities and mandates their protection from any form of discrimination, exclusion, or unfair treatment.
Disability rights activists have long called for stronger legal protections and more effective implementation of policies to ensure accessibility and full participation of PWDs in various sectors, including education, employment, politics, and public services.(NAN)
