A non-governmental organization, Community Advancement Initiative For Self-Reliance (CAI4SR), has advocated for more inclusive and disability rights for people with disabilities in Osun.
The Executive Director of CAI4SR, Mrs Ayeni Eni, made the call on Friday in Osogbo at a one-day media engagement and advocacy training for journalists.
According to Ayeni, the event was aimed at raising awareness about the inclusion and rights of people with disabilities to avoid any form of public neglect or discrimination. She also emphasised the different models used to identify disabilities in society, which include medical, charity, human rights, and biopsychosocial.
According to her, the concept of disabilities has shifted to an inclusive development that is a dynamic interaction between individuals grounded in dignity, equality, and participation.
Also, Mrs Veronica Onoja, a facilitator from the Justice Development and Peace Maker Center (JDPMC), Osogbo, said that ignorance of the law was not an excuse.
Onoja said PWDs must be legally protected due to the high rate of abuse and discrimination against them.
“We have the Osun State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law 2021, the 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 also said the government must promote the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for PWDs without discrimination of any kind.
Onoja further spoke on ethical reporting and the impact of inclusive reporting in eradicating stereotypes that promote discrimination.
She, however, said that journalists should always include inclusivity when carrying out their reportage to have a balanced view.
