UN Reaffirms Commitment To Fostering Inclusive Societies

The United Nations has reiterated its commitment to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and equitable society in which all individuals can reach their full potential, regardless of physical or intellectual barriers.

This was disclosed during a UN National Multi-Stakeholder Capacity-Building workshop on Cross-Cutting Approaches and Preconditions for Disability-Inclusive Development in Nigeria, held in Abuja.

According to a UN report, approximately 1.3 billion people around the world have significant disabilities, accounting for 16% of the global population.

In his remarks, the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall, stated that there are gaps in national disability data. According to the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (2018), 7% of household members aged 5 and up have some level of difficulty in at least one functional domain.

He stated that the UN will continue to ensure that all disabled people’s rights are met.

He stated that the United Nations recognises the rights and dignity of people with disabilities, as enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and that the UN is committed to the full and complete realisation of human rights for Nigeria’s 30 million people with disabilities, the majority of whom are women, children, and youth.

He added that, as Secretary-General António Guterres frequently states, “Inclusion is the cornerstone of a sustainable future.” Without it, we are just building on sand.”

The UN Resident Coordinator stated that total inclusion can only be achieved in an enabling and inclusive environment for all.

He stated, “In order to ensure that no one is left behind, the UN building will be assessed in 2023 to determine its accessibility to people with disabilities. I am pleased to inform you that we have begun implementing the recommendations made by the consultant who evaluated the building. These efforts are critical for creating an inclusive environment.

According to Mr. Koessan Kuawu, Deputy Representative of UNFPA, 18 percent of the world’s population currently has or will experience disability during their lifetime. In Nigeria, an estimated 35.5 million people have disabilities, which can be mental, intellectual, physical, or sensory.