Lagos, Nigeria passes law protecting human rights of the disabled.

[the_future_modernes]

Disabled persons laud Special People's Law

People living with disabilities in Lagos have lauded the signing into law of the Lagos State Special People's Law. Babatunde Fashola, the state governor, signed the law last Friday, June 24, thereby making Lagos the first state to promulgate such law in Nigeria.

The law was earlier passed by the Lagos State House of Assembly in December 2010 and a similar bill which has been passed by the National Assembly is still waiting for the signature of the president.

Among other things, the Special People's Law contains provisions to ensure that people living with disabilities in Lagos State are given equal rights in all social services, employment, political, and educational facilities.

The law also safeguards disable persons against discrimination; guarantees them right to access information, conducive socio-economic environment; access to special education and public transport facilities. Under the law, a dedicated Office for Disability Affairs to address complaints of harassment, discrimination and torture will be set up.

The office will also ensure that the tenets of the law are fully and effectively implemented.

David Anyaele, executive director of Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) said the bill brought joy to him and other people living with disability in Lagos. The CCD and several organisations made significant contributions to the passing and eventual signing of the bill into law.

According to Mr Anyaele, the bill was designed by people living with disabilities in Lagos. "We did the lobbying, there was no international funding. We drafted everything ourselves. It is a thing of joy when we see this thing coming out successfully," he said. MORE

\

via: fyeahafrica