NGO Urges Implementation Of Disability Rights Act

CBM Global Disability Inclusion has highlighted the urgent need for unified efforts towards implementing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.

The call was made in Abuja during a workshop themed, “Organizational Strengthening Workshop for Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities.

The workshop, organised by CBM Global Disability Inclusion with support from the UK government through the SUCCEED Africa program, was aimed at empowering organisations of persons with psychosocial disabilities.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Abdulazeez Musa, the country director, said: “The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act that was passed in 2018 still needs to be implemented.

The government needs to fund and show political will to implement the Act.

“The incubation period for the Act that requires public institutions and facilities to be more accessible has elapsed. But unfortunately, we haven’t moved to what we would have loved to see. At the moment, many public institutions and people that are supposed to drive the implementation are not even aware of the Act. So, the government needs to really sensitise its arms to be able to understand and make necessary budgetary provisions to implement the Act.”

The CBM Global Regional Mental Health Advisor for Africa, Michael Njenga, said: “Laws are important, but again, we have to resolve this particular law, so that people can enjoy their fundamental rights and freedom on an equal basis with others.”