The Delta House of Assembly on Tuesday passed the State Disability Rights Bill.

This followed the adoption of the report of the House Joint Committee on Housing, Women Affairs/Girl Child Entrepreneurship and Humanitarian Support Services and Special Committee at plenary in Asaba.

The committee chairman, Bridget Anyafulu (PDP-Osnimili South), presented the report. She said the bill sought to safeguard people living with disabilities against all forms of discrimination.

She also said the bill would ensure that persons living with disabilities have equal rights to sue any individual, corporate body or government and its agencies for damages in the event of the violation of their fundamental rights.

Ms Anyafulu also said the bill would ensure that persons living with disabilities were not subjected to medical or scientific experiments without their consent.

“Persons with disabilities shall have the right and necessary facilities to access the physical environment, public buildings and public places on an equal basis.

”They will also have the right to access/accessibility aids, special seats in vehicles, reservations at public parking lots, education, and equal work opportunities.

”It will also give persons with disabilities the opportunity to participate in politics and public life, among other things,” Ms Anyafulu said.

Ms Anyafula added that the bill’s passage would give the state the legal framework to establish a commission for people with disabilities.

Consequently, the bill, considered at the committee of the whole under the chairmanship of the speaker, Dennis Guwor, was passed.

The speaker commended the lawmakers for the speedy passage of the bill.

(NAN)