The Economic and Social Empowerment of Rural Communities (ESERC), with support from the European Union–United Nations (EU-UN) Spotlight Initiative, in collaboration with the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), officially launched an advocacy campaign for the domestication of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 in Ebonyi State.
The advocacy campaign followed a one-day strategic meeting held with members of JONAPWD in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, aimed at mobilizing collective action toward the adoption and implementation of the National Disability Act at the state level. The campaign sought to engage key stakeholders, including the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, relevant ministries, departments and agencies, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners to champion disability rights and inclusive governance.
The National Disability Act, signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2019, provides a legal framework for protecting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities while prohibiting all forms of discrimination. However, effective implementation requires domestication by state governments to ensure its provisions become enforceable at the sub-national level.
During the meeting, participants emphasized the importance of enacting state legislation that guarantees equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in education, healthcare, employment, political participation, public infrastructure, and access to justice. Discussions also highlighted the need to eliminate barriers that continue to limit the full participation of persons with disabilities in social, economic, and political life.
ESERC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting social inclusion, equality, and the protection of vulnerable populations through strategic partnerships and evidence-based advocacy. By collaborating with JONAPWD and leveraging the support of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, the organization continues to strengthen efforts aimed at ensuring that the voices of persons with disabilities are heard and their rights fully protected.
The advocacy campaign marks an important milestone in advancing disability inclusion and human rights in Ebonyi State. ESERC believes that the domestication of the National Disability Act will not only strengthen legal protections but also foster a more inclusive society where every individual, regardless of ability, has equal access to opportunities and can contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.
Through continued engagement with policymakers, government institutions, and community stakeholders, ESERC remains dedicated to advancing policies and programmes that uphold dignity, equality, and justice for all.
