Nigerian stakeholders, including the government, have resolved to take a significant step toward ensuring equitable access to justice for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), with support from the European Union under the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), hosted a two-day National Dialogue on Integrating Inclusivity for Persons with Disabilities in Criminal Justice.
The event, held yesterday in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders from across Nigeria’s justice system, civil society, and disability rights organisations to address the barriers PWDs face in accessing justice.
The dialogue aimed to spotlight the structural and systemic challenges hindering PWDs’ access to justice, including infrastructural, financial, and communication barriers.
Representatives from the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and various associations of PWDs participated in the event, sharing insights and recommendations to promote inclusivity in criminal justice administration.
In her goodwill message, Dr Glory Essien, who represented the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the dialogue.
She emphasised the need for reforms to improve the experiences of PWDs who come into contact with the criminal justice system, ensuring that facilities cater to their needs during incarceration.
On his part, the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, represented at the event, called for public awareness campaigns and the integration of assistive technologies to support PWDs in navigating the justice system.
He highlighted the importance of training judicial staff on the specific needs of PWDs, saying, “We must ensure that the legal system not only protects but actively empowers vulnerable groups.”
Prof. Chelvchi Onyemelokwe delivered a presentation on the current state of inclusivity in Nigeria’s criminal justice system and moderated a panel session on “Addressing Barriers to Inclusivity in Criminal Justice and Government Interventions.”
Discussions during the panel touched on practical steps to eliminate obstacles, including providing sign language interpreters in courtrooms and installing ramps to make public spaces more accessible.
Panelists emphasised the importance of raising awareness about PWDs’ rights and called for disability advocacy to be prioritized across all sectors. “We must not underestimate the power of awareness creation,” one panellist stated, urging stakeholders to address immediate needs such as making courtrooms accessible and ensuring fair hearings for PWDs through the provision of sign language services.
The dialogue recommended recognising sign language interpretation as a formal profession and integrating it into the educational curriculum to encourage more professionals in the field.
Panelists also highlighted the need for government agencies to implement cost-effective measures, such as retrofitting existing infrastructure rather than building new structures, to improve accessibility for PWDs.
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