ENDING SOCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL MALTREATMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN NIGERIA.
By Adeolu Kilanko,
As a development practitioner working around the inclusion of persons with disabilities in governance and developmental processes in Nigeria, I cannot overemphasize the known fact that the socio-economic exclusion challenges faced by these groups make them the poorest of the poor. They encounter barriers such as inadequate education, limited employment opportunities, and poor health outcomes, with the situation being particularly dire for women, children, and the elderly. Many are forced into street begging for survival, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and marginalization.
CHALLENGES COMBATTING PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN NIGERIA
Different studies and research have shown that PWDs in Nigeria are faced with numerous challenges. Working with them daily, I found that most persons with disabilities suffer widespread stigmas, which are exacerbated by issues such as Lack of Comprehensive Data which hampers effective governmental planning and resource allocation; inaccessible Environments with many public spaces and transportation options remain physically inaccessible; severely limited availability of assistive devices and technology; and discriminatory Attitudes – Societal prejudice leads to stigma, neglect, and sometimes abuse.
Despite the passage of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition (DaPWD) Act in January 2019, which aimed to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities, the realities on the ground reflect a continued prevalence of maltreatment and neglect.
NEED FOR ACTION
With the expiration of the five-year transition period for implementing the Act in January 2024, it is crucial to confront the ongoing social and institutional maltreatment. As we commemorate the 2024 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the theme for this year, “Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment Acting Together for Just, peaceful and Inclusive Societies” is a call for a concerted effort from all sectors—government, private, religious, and traditional institutions, organizations of persons with disabilities etc – to ensure the meaningful inclusion of over 35 million persons with disabilities in anti-poverty strategies. Below are some of my recommendations to bring about the desired change.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGE
- Review and Implement the National Policy on Disability (2018): A robust strategy is needed to integrate persons with disabilities into all facets of governmental planning and development.
- Involve Persons with Disabilities in Government Processes: Ensure their participation in policymaking, following the principle of “Nothing about us without us.”
- Improve Data Collection: Establish reliable, disability-disaggregated data systems to address the needs of various disability groups effectively.
- Enhance Awareness: Increase public understanding of disability issues and the rights of persons with disabilities as outlined in the DaPWD Act.
- Modify Public Infrastructure: Ensure that public buildings and transportation systems are accessible, in compliance with the DaPWD Act.
- Empower Disability-Focused Organizations: Provide resources and support to organizations serving persons with disabilities and their caregivers.
- Improve Coordination Among Agencies: Foster collaboration among ministries and between government and non-governmental organizations to enhance disability inclusion.
- Prioritize the Welfare of Vulnerable Groups: Address the unique needs of persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, particularly in emergencies.
- Share Best Practices: Promote successful initiatives across regions and sectors to encourage improvement and innovation in disability inclusion.
- Promote Access to Assistive Devices: Support local production and distribution of assistive technologies through favourable policies and investments.
CONCLUSION
The fight against social and institutional maltreatment of persons with disabilities in Nigeria requires a collective and sustained effort. I believe that by adopting these recommendations, Nigeria can work towards creating a just, peaceful, and inclusive society where all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to thrive.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Adeolu Kilanko is the Programme Manager for TAF Africa