A non-governmental organisation, Community Advancement Initiative for Self-Reliance (CAI4SR), has called for greater inclusivity and protection of disability rights for People with Disabilities (PWDs) in Osun.
The Executive Director of CAI4SR, Mrs Ayeni Eni, made the appeal at a one-day media engagement and advocacy training for selected journalists on Friday in Osogbo.
StarReporters reports that the gathering was aimed at raising awareness about inclusion and disability rights of PWDs.
Ayeni said the need for more sensitisation on inclusive rights had become critical to prevent public neglect and discrimination. She explained the different models of disability used to identify PWDs in society, which include medical, charity, human rights, and biopsychosocial.
According to her, the concept of disabilities has shifted towards inclusive development that recognises dignity, equality, and participation.
Also, Mrs Veronica Onoja, a facilitator from the Justice Development and Peace Maker Centre (JDPMC), Osogbo, said ignorance of the law could not be an excuse.
Onoja stressed that PWDs must be legally protected due to the high rate of abuses and discrimination they face.
“We have the Osun State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law 2021, Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Law 2024, and the Osun State Criminal Code Law. People with disabilities are those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments that hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others,” she said.
The facilitator added that government must promote the full realisation of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for PWDs without discrimination of any kind.
She also spoke on ethical reporting and the importance of inclusive coverage in breaking down stereotypes that fuel discrimination.
Onoja urged journalists to always reflect inclusivity in their reportage to ensure a balanced perspective.
(NAN)