Active Search Results JONAPWD, partners unveil abridged Igbo, Pidgin-English versions of Anambra State Disability Rights Law
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JONAPWD, partners unveil abridged Igbo, Pidgin-English versions of Anambra State Disability Rights Law

 



By Okechukwu Onuegbu


The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, JONAPWD, and it's partners, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) and Anambra State Disability Rights Commission (ASDRC), Wednesday, unveiled the abridged Igbo and Pidgin-English versions of the Anambra State Disability Rights law (2018).


Anambra State Disability Rights Law (ASDRL), a legal document that encapsulates various rights of people with disabilities (PWDS), was passed in the year 2018 by the Anambra State House of Assembly and subsequently signed into law by former governor Willie Obiano.


Speaking at the event attended by various stakeholders, the Anambra State chapter chairman of JONAPWD, Comrade Ugochukwu Okeke, disclosed that the major aim of producing the abridged copy of the law was to make it handy, accessible and easy to read to the public. 


Okeke added that the programme would help to increase awareness about the law, while mobilising support from various stakeholders for its speedy implementation. 


He thanked RoLAC on their various supports which contributed to the speedy passage, assent to the law, training of 40 sign language interpreters, stakeholders meeting it hosted, to mention a few.


" The aim of making the copies available in a simplified accessible format is targeted at making sure that the awareness of the law gets to every nook and crannies of the state," he noted. 


In a goodwill message, the State Coordinator, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption(RoLAC), Mrs Josephine Ona, commended JONAPWD for been a worthy partner, and sought for more sensitization of the people for easy and speedy implementation of the provisions of the law. 


Onah said, "The establishment of the law is a milestone in the journey to the creation of access to justice for persons living with disabilities in the state. I urge the relevant service providers to start making use of the sign language interpreters directory made available by RoLAC. 


" Let's not forget that this initiative was aimed at bridging the communication gap between the general public and the disability community. About 40 Sign Language interpreters have been trained by RoLAC and those available at Anambra State Disability Rights Commission are ever ready to serve if contacted."


The Legal Adviser to JONAPWD in the State, Barrister Peter Mmuoneke, advocated for amendment of section 6(1) of the ASDRL 2018 which stated that the chairman shall serve on a part-time base for three years.


Mmuoneke, who contended that chairman of the commission and the commission members ought to be permanent employees of the commission with a view to achieve the key objectives of the law, urged governor Chukwuma Soludo to look towards granting their request. 


Supporting Mmuoneke, the Anambra State Director of National Orientation Agency represented by Mr Joseph Uchendu, stressed the importance of informing the government why it should make the commission work permanent with a view to activating it, for accessibility and functionality to all.


Other contributors, Hon. Ikechukwu Offorkansi, who represented the ASATU and Mrs Amaka Maduabuchi of Legal Aid Council, assured support of their various organisations and communities to increase awareness of the law among the populace.


Earlier, the Chairman of Anambra State Disability Rights Commission, Barrister Chuks Ezewuzie acknowledged the milestone achievements of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) and  Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) Anambra State Chapter, assuring the relentless support of the commission to achieve objectives of the law hundred percent. 


The ASDRC Boss, represented by the Coordinator of Operations in the Commission Mr Samuel Okoro unveiled the project and appreciated RoLAC for all the funding and support given to Jonapwd that enabled them to achieve so many success stories for the disability community in Anambra State.


" RoLAC has been regular backbone support in the fight for the rights of persons with disabilities and has lessened the responsibility burden of the Disability Rights Commission through the production of hard copies of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law, Sign Language Directory and now the funding of the Abridged Igbo and Pidgin version of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law. 


" The commission has a large chunk of responsibilities geared towards the implementation of the disability rights law and we have mapped out strategies and means of making the public see the need to implement this law in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and we are determined to swing into action. 


" We congratulate  Jonapwd Anambra for your achievements so far, and we will continue to support you in charting the course for a better future for persons with disabilities in the state. 


Mr Okoro also called for immediate funding from the government, private individuals and development partners as it will help keep the commission working effectively as expected. 

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