Abuja: CBM Global Disability Inclusion, a Non-Governmental Organisation, has inaugurated the ‘Rights in Action’ project to address intersectional discrimination and human rights violations against Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). Inaugurating the project, Mr Abdulazeez Musa, Country Director of CBM Global Disability Inclusion, emphasized its aim to tackle all forms of marginalisation against PWDs.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the project is an Organisation of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) advocacy initiative funded by the Finland Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The project is facilitated by CBM Global Disability Inclusion and implemented by technical partners, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and Inclusive Friends Association (IFA). Musa explained that the project seeks to empower PWDs to live with dignity and enjoy full fundamental human rights.
Musa added that the initiative focuses on enabling PWDs to self-advocate and target marginalized groups, such as persons with learning difficulties or the deaf community. The organisation plans to strengthen the capacity of these groups to design projects, mobilize members, and advocate for their rights.
The project will analyse community perceptions of PWDs, which Musa identified as a core issue. He noted that Nigeria has passed the Disability Rights Act, but implementation remains a challenge. The project aims to ensure that the law is fully implemented and PWDs receive equal treatment in society.
The project is set to run for two years, starting in Adamawa and the Federal Capital Territory. Grace Jerry, Executive Director of IFA, highlighted the project’s potential to empower marginalized organizations to influence policy. Mr Abdullahi Usman, President of JONAPWD, emphasized the need for underrepresented groups within PWDs to gain equal rights.
A representative from the Ministry of Women Affairs, Ms Sweet Okundaye, applauded the initiative and pledged the ministry’s support. Similarly, Ms Oluchi Adieze from the National Human Rights Commission promised support and urged partners to utilize state offices to address grassroots challenges.