Africa
THE Senate has called for improved funding for programmes associated with the welfare of Persons With Disabilities(PWDs) in Nigeria.
This followed the adoption of a motion on “Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria and Call for Full Implementation of the Disabilities Act, by Sen.Osita Izunaso (APC-Imo) at plenary on Thursday.
Presenting the motion, Izunaso, said that the PWDs constituted a significant number in the Nigerian population, with about 35 million.
He said that the PWDs faced various challenges and barriers interms of inclusion and participation in the societal activities.
He said that a large number of public buildings, spaces, and transportation systems were not designed to accommodate them.
This, he said, made it difficult for them to move around independently as well as access essential services.
He said that lack of accessibility had not only limited their mobility but also restricted their participation in various aspects of life, including education, employment, and social activities.
“Aware that the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act as was passed into law in 2018, provides comprehensive protection of the rights of PWDS as well as prohibiting discrimination against them in all spheres of life.
“Aware also that the full implementation of the Disabilities Act is crucial to ensuring equal opportunities, access to education, healthcare, employment and transportation,” he said.
He said the act was also crucial in provision of public services for the PWDs to promote their full participation and integration into society, and for easy access to foreign and local grants.
He expressed concern that in spite of the existence of the Disabilities Act, there was a gap in implementation and enforcement of its provisions.
This, he said, was leading to continued marginalisation,exclusion, and violation of the rights of persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
The Senate also resolved to set up a disability desk to deal with all issues concerning the PWDs.
It also resolved to create a Standing Committee for the PWDs.(NAN)
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-May 09, 2024 @ 18:34 GMT|
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