UN Women, Stakeholders Urge Fintiri To Approve Disability Bill

The United Nations (UN) Women and other stakeholders have appealed to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State to approve the bill promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the State.

The UN Women National Programme Officer, Mrs. Amina Bello, made the appeal during a policy dialogue on Enhancing Inclusion of Women with Disabilities (WWDs) in peace and security decision-making, on Monday, in Yola.

The Adamawa House of Assembly on March 27, passed a bill to prohibit all forms of discrimination against Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the state. The bill, which repeals the Adamawa Disability Rights Commission Law No. 14 of 2016 and enacts the Adamawa State Persons with Disability Law Commission, aims to ensure the full integration of PWDs into society.

It seeks to create a legal framework that guarantees the rights of persons with disabilities and mandates their protection from any form of discrimination, exclusion, or unfair treatment

Bello reiterated that the rights of PWDs are human rights, stressing the need for robust measures, policies, and legislation to protect those rights.

“Adamawa is in the process of passing a bill to re-enact the PWD Commission into law. The bill has been passed by the State House of Assembly and is currently awaiting the governor’s assent.

“All stakeholders must continue to advocate for a comprehensive legal framework that guarantees the rights of PWDs. This will ensure their meaningful inclusion in all aspects of society and enable them to access social, economic, and political opportunities without hindrance,” she said.

Bello noted that the policy dialogue created a unique platform for WWDs, government agencies, and other stakeholders to engage in constructive discussion.

“Participants developed a Joint Action Plan that identified key challenges and proposed actionable solutions. The meeting also integrated WWDs into women-led peace structures such as the Mixed Observation Team and the Women Mediation Network,” she said.

The programme which was sponsored by the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund (NHF) had in attendance disability rights advocates, PWDs, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), government agencies, among others.

Also speaking, the Principal Welfare Officer, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Rukaiyatu Tahir, said peacebuilding among WWDs was a core mandate of the ministry.

According to her, the rehabilitation department ensures the inclusion of WWDs in peacebuilding processes, stressing that they work to protect their rights and shield them from discrimination and stigmatisation.

She added that the ministry also empowers them to be independent and productive, reducing their reliance on street begging.

In her remarks, the Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Mrs. Jamila Babuba, said the organisation continues to strengthen advocacy efforts for WWDs.

Babuba stated that FIDA provides accessible legal aid through pro bono services and ensures legal support considering mobility and communication challenges. She added that they also advocate for inclusive legal frameworks that incorporate disability rights into post-conflict legal reforms. She further stressed the importance of the unique needs of WWDs be reflected in new laws and policies that guarantee their rights.

UN Women, Stakeholders Urge Fintiri To Approve Disability Bill is first published on The Whistler Newspaper