On Monday, the UN Women and other stakeholders called on Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to assent to the bill promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in Adamawa.

Amina Bello, UN Women’s national programme officer, made the call during a policy dialogue on Enhancing Inclusion of Women with Disabilities in peace and security decision-making in Yola.

The programme, sponsored by the Nigeria Humanitarian Fund, had in attendance disability rights advocates, PWDs, CSOs and government agencies.

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

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

Rukaiyatu Tahir, principal welfare officer at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, said peacebuilding among WWDs was a core mandate of the ministry.

Jamila Babuba, chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, said the organisation continues to strengthen advocacy efforts for WWDs.

She stressed the importance of the unique needs of WWDs being reflected in new laws and policies that guarantee their rights.

On March 27, the Adamawa House of Assembly passed a bill to prohibit all forms of discrimination against 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.

The bill, sponsored by Yohanna Jauro, the representative of Mubi South constituency, was one of four crucial legislations passed by the parliament.

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.

Disability rights activists have long called for stronger legal protections and more effective implementation of policies to ensure accessibility and full participation of PWDs in various sectors, including education, employment, politics, and public services.

(NAN)