PWDs: CCD calls for implementation of rights

The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), has called for implementation of the rights of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), in order to enhance their welfare.

Florence Austin, the Finance Admin Manager for CCD, made the call during a road walk organised to mark the 2024 global International Day of Persons With Disabilities in Lagos.

The programme theme: “Amplifying The Leadership of Persons With Disabilities for An Inclusive And Sustainable Future.”

Austin urged the Lagos State Government to implement all the rights of PWDs as provided in the ‘Lagos State Special People’s Law’ in order to enable them have equal participation with their fellow non-disabled citizens.

She also called on the general public to respect the rights of PWDs.

“We need the audience of the Lagos State House of Assembly and the general public. As we join the rest of the world to mark the 2024 International Day of Persons With Disabilities; we call on you join in the campaign to protect and respect the rights of PWDs.

“There is ability in disability, and every PWD has the potential to make a positive impact if given the opportunity.

“As enshrined in the Lagos State Disability Law, we demand inclusivity in all sectors, including the education and health services sectors, and we demand full implementation of the rights of PWDs.

“We demand inclusion in employment opportunities, budget allocations and a comprehensive review of every policy, to ensure inclusion of PWDs,” she said.

Austin explained that both the government and members of the public tend to treat PWDs on charity bases due to no system in place that promotes inclusivity for PWDs.

“We have moved from ‘charity-based’ to ‘right-based’ approach, and the ‘right-based’ approach is PWDs demanding their rights, while the government implements them,” she said.

According to her, the government and members of the public need to stop the act of discrimination against PWDs, but promote access to civic space for them.

“We’re saying enough of every form of discrimination, isolation and harmful practices against PWDs.

“Today, we’re promoting access for PWDs. Access is an enabling environment that promotes equal participation for PWDs on equal bases with others.

“We’re also calling for the effort of the general public and government to campaign against every barrier: be it attitudinal, environmental or systemic barrier that may hinder PWDs from participating on equal bases with others,” Austin said.

The road walk exercise,  supported by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and officials of the International Red Cross and Crescent Movement, kicked off by 8:30 am, starting from Allen Junction (Ikeja) to the Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa and ended at the gate of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Although, no government representative came out to address the group, they stood by the gate for about 30 minutes, stating their demands.

There were various clusters of the disability community who participated in the walk, including: the deaf, dumb, blind and the physically challenged persons.

Others included the albinos and the dwarfs, all wearing branded T-shirts and carrying placards and banners, describing their demands from the government and the public.

One of the participants, Mr Yinka, aka ‘Fine Boy’, visually impaired stated: “Nothing about us without us.”

He urged the government to seek the opinion of PWDs by engaging them in a direct dialogue in order to get their opinion on their issues and demands, instead of making decisions behind them on their behalf.