By Ngozi Nwankwo
To further strengthen the Institutional capacity towards ensuring fairness in the administration of justice for Persons with Disabilities, the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities has organized a 2 -day Sensitization Workshop which commenced today 9th September, 2024 in Abuja.
The Executive Secretary, Chief Ayuba Gufwan has affirmed that persons with disabilities must have an express platform to justice in any case of discrimination.
Gufwan nevertheless, decried the history of denials that has raged on in the community over the years before the establishment of the Commission.
“Today is very significant because many persons with disabilities have suffered depression through maltreatment from various segments of the society” he said.
The ES, however, expressed gratitude to disability Partners who champion advocacy on the fundamental rights.
In the same vein, he thanked the International Institute for Democracy and Electorial Assistance (IDEA) for supporting the Commission to impact knowledge on the legal practitioners in the administration of justice for Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria.
Chief Ayuba Gufwan, therefore, urged the participants to make the Disability Act a living document beyond the letters.
At the technical session, Marcus Florence took the attendees on sections of the Act which relates to access to justice .
According to her, the Act needs to be amended to accommodate and expressly provide for clear access to justice beyond the functions of the Commission as stated in sections 38 & 39.
Also, Barrister Ikem Uchegbulam, Director Compliance and Enforcement of the Commission corroborated the need to ensure full compliance of the Act in order to make life more comfortable for Persons With Disabilities.
In his presentation, he emphasizes that public infrastructure must have reasonable accommodation.
The Director, Legal services, Mr. Joseph Okon during his paper presentation centered on Operating guidelines of legal protection and Redress in discrimination against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) 2018 Act.
He equally informed that the Unit has established a monitoring system that facilitates the principles of inclusivity that provides cover for the abused.
Also present at the meeting were eminent Legal luminaries from Disability Rights Commission, Anambra State and the judicial council.