International Day for Disabled Persons: ALDIN Harps on Implementation of Disability Act
Mr Daniel Onwe, President of the Association of Lawyers with Disabilities in Nigeria (ALDIN), Tuesday, called for full implementation of the provisions of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2019.
Onwe made the call following the commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
December 3 every year, has been set aside by the United Nations as the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
This celebration as set out by the UN, is indicative of a commitment of the global community, to put persons with disabilities at par with other members of the society in terms of enjoyment of Fundamental Human Rights.
In a statement by ALDIN jointly signed by its President and Secretary, Messrs Daniel Onwe and Gaius Ogah, the Association reiterated its call for enforcement of the recent disability legislation, which it says will better the lot of Person With Disabilities (PWDs)
NAN reports that the National Assembly had in January, enacted the Discrimination against Person with Disability (Prohibition) Act 2019.
ALDIN now seeks full implementation of the provisions of the Act.
“Persons with disabilities have in diverse forms, been deprived of rights fundamental to the existence of every human, and have been characterized by poverty, low self esteem and low life expectancy, inspite of their enormous potentials.
“Legislation has become the most veritable instrument for correcting the disadvantaged stead of persons with disabilities and equalizing their opportunities.
“Other countries of the world have through the relevant pieces of legislation, bettered the lives of persons with disabilities, and by so doing, made heir societies better places for everyone.
“It was indeed a long walk to the eventual enactment of a National Disability Legislation in Nigeria, that is the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act.
“After repeated failures of previous Administrations to assent to the Bill for the said Act, President Mohammadu Buhari made history on Jan. 23, 2019 by signing into law the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act.
“Having signed into existence the said law, it remains for it to be demonstrated to positively change the destinies of persons with disabilities in Nigeria forever.
“Therefore, it is expected that the President takes the necessary steps towards implantation of the Act, such as the immediate constitution of a National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).
“This Commission will spearhead the implementation of the Act.
“Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government have the immediate duty of reserving five per cent of their labour force for qualified persons with disabilities, in line with the Act.
“This will enrich our national labour force with the peculiar gifting of persons with disabilities.
“Private bodies as well as individuals have responsibilities to shone discrimination and make our society conducive for the development and contributions of all persons, irrespective of their disability status, in line with provisions of the Act.
“The Act has come to stay and to be implemented to the letter for the good of Nigerians; It is the reasonable expectation, therefore, that Nigerians would willingly comply with the provisions of this Act, considering the good things it holds for everyone,” he said
While noting that Court actions were not always necessary in ensuring compliance with provisions of the law, Onwe expressed the hope that provisions of the Act will be enforced in no time.
“Making Nigeria a better place for every Nigerian is a task that must be accomplished,” he added
