By Ene Osang
Abuja
Following commitment to addressing the plight of People With Disabilities (PWDs) by involving them in national development, Nigeria has been elected into the United Nations (UN) Committee of Experts on the Rights of PWD’s
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Saghir El-Mohammed, Barrister Danladi Basharu was elected into the 18-member Committee at the just-concluded 7th Session of the Conference of State Parties, to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities held at UN headquarters, New York.
According to the statement, the country’s candidate was the former President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities.
The statement explained that conference now places on Nigeria, the responsibility of working with other member nations of the committee to guide the global implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of PWDs.
Leader of Nigeria’s delegation to the Conference and Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development,
Dr. Habiba Lawal, said Nigeria’s candidature stood out due to its enviable records of support and care for the PWDs.
Dr. Lawal who also praised the efforts of Nigeria’s Mission in New York towards the success of the exercise, equally commended other African member-countries for their support and encouragement.
“The election of Nigeria into the prestigious Committee will attract greater international support and technical assistance towards addressing the plight of over 22 Million PWDs in the country.
“It also places an additional burden on Nigeria to ensure the timely passage into law, of the National Disability Bill now before the National Assembly,” she said.
