TheCable

Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER), a civil society organisation, says good governance is incomplete without an equitable focus on the rights of people with disabilities (PLWDs).

In a communique issued at the end of training on reporting people with disabilities, JODER noted that disability issues are a critical aspect of human rights and sustainable development.

The group said PLWDs are at the lowest rank on the social and economic ladder and that government takes little cognisance of them especially children with disabilities, in budget conception, planning and implementation.

JODER noted that disability in Nigeria is linked with poverty and lack of access to economic and social opportunities.

“In Nigeria, for decades, the issue of PLWDs especially children remains a critical index of national, local socio-political and economic discourse,” the communique reads.

“As of 2023 in Nigeria, it is believed that there are some 27 million people with disabilities.

“Of concern are children living with disabilities in Nigeria. About 18.5 percent of children are out of school according to UNICEF, while the World Bank projects that people with disabilities constitute about 15 percent of populations in developing countries.

“Education policies and the construction of public schools, public buildings including state and national assemblies across the country are with little or no considerations for PLWDs.

“Democracy and good governance are not complete without an equitable focus on the rights of PLWDs.”

The group urged the government at all levels to implement laws that promote and advance the rights of PLWDs.

‘MEDIA ADVOCACY STILL LOW’

JODER also said the media has done a lot in promoting the rights of PLWDs but noted that advocacy for the group still remains at its lowest.

“Stories concerning PLWDs are treated as sudden events, not as a continuum of a serious social and economic crisis that the state itself needs to address,” JODER said.

“The media does not constructively engage political leaders during election seasons on issues of disabilities.

“The media does not engage the tiers of governments enough on the place of PLWDs on budget conception, planning and execution.”

JODER urged the media to be at the front, campaigning for the rights of PLWDs and affected children as part of its responsibilities to society.

“The Nigerian local, state and national governments should be constructively engaged on socio-economic policies like education, health and housing which affect the essential needs of PLWDs,” JODER said.

“Tips on reporting PLWDs should be published and circulated in the print and electronic media across the country.

“Media institutions should further build the capacity to raise issues of children with disability to national consciousness.

“The media hereby form a national media network to advance and promote the socio-economic rights of PLWDs in Nigeria.

“The media network will highlight the obligations of state institutions on socio-economic opportunities for children living with disabilities.

“The network will further develop the national media advocacy mechanism for promoting the rights of children with PLWDs.

“There should be a national media summit on reporting children with disabilities with the focal point of reawakening national consciousness on their challenges.”