NGOs Push For Speedy Passage Of Disability Bill In Benue

Non-governmental organisations, Hope Alive For Possibilities Initiative (HAPI) and Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), have appealed to the Benue State House of Assembly to expedite action on the passage of a disability bill to stop discrimination and sexual harassment of members.

This is even as the executive director of HAPI, Aver Akighir, disclosed that the bill’s approval by Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and forwarding to the State Assembly is a step towards fostering a society that is inclusive, equitable, and respectful of human rights.

According to Akighir, “With the support from our strategic partner, Disability Rights Advocacy Fund (DRAFT), HAPI is implementing a project in Benue, aimed at pushing for the enactment of the disability law in the State to enhanced inclusivity in all spheres of life.

She informed that Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative-HAPI is a women-led organisation of persons with disabilities that works to facilitate the inclusion and achievement of rights for women and girls with disabilities, in line with the human rights framework such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Global Disability Summit Commitments Africa, among others.

“This effort underscores the critical importance of collaboration and sustained action in driving systematic change for persons with disabilities. The landmark decision also reflects the government’s recognition of the critical need to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Benue State.

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“As the disability Bill enters the Legislative process, we passionately call on the members of the Benue State Assembly to expedite the process of ensuring that the bill is passed into law without delay

“This Bill, if passed into law, holds the potential to provide a robust legal framework that guarantees the rights, dignity, and full participation of persons with disabilities in all spheres of life, including education, employment, healthcare and public infrastructure.”

According to the director, “We want to urge members of the State Assembly to prioritize the disability Bill, recognizing its transformative impact on the over 15 per cent of the state population of persons with disabilities, speedy enactment and implementation of the law will not only align Benue with national and international standards such as the Discrimination Against PWDs (Prohibition) Act of 2018 among others.