By Duma Edward-Dibiana

It is often said that inclusion is a key aspect of human rights and democracy. And any meaningful democracy across the globe ensures that no demography of its population is excluded when policies of government is either formulated or implemented.

However, there is still a big gap between such noble Ideals and reality as regards persons living with disabilities in different climes, especially in developing countries, such as Nigeria.

December 3rd every year, is dedicated to persons with disabilities around the world.This day was established by the United Nations (UN) to raise awareness about disability issues, promote the rights of persons with disabilities and encourage support for their dignity, wellbeing and inclusion in the society.

The theme for this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), is “United In Action to Rescue and Achieve the SDGs For, With And by Persons with Disabilities”

Disability encompasses any condition of the body or mind which makes it difficult for a person to carry out daily activities and live a full life. Disabilities may not always be physical or visible. It could be invisible and may come in various forms and a person may have disabilities at different points in their life.It may be present from birth or acquired during the lifetime of a person. It can also limit a person from interacting with the world around him.

What are Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) and how do they impact people living with disabilities?

According to Wikipedia,The sustainable development goals or global goals are a collection of 17 interlinked objectives designed to serve as a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet now and in the future.

The 17 SDGs were adopted by UN member states in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development.These goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people, including people living with disabilities, enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.These member countries who adopted these goals,have persons living with disabilities in their different countries and these goals cannot be achieved if persons with disabilities are excluded, hence their inclusion. Some of the SDGs relating to persons with disabilities believed to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world includes:

*SDG-4: Quality education.
*SDG-8: Decent work and economic growth.
*SDG-10: Reduced inequalities.
*SDG-11: Sustainable cities and communities.
*SDG-17: Partnership for the goals.

Do people living with any form of disability enjoy quality and inclusive education in Nigeria?

Do they receive equal/fair treatment?

Do we have sustainable and accessible cities and communities?

How many qualified people with disabilities are employed in our dear country?

Are they side-tracked due to their conditions?

Your guess is as good as mine!

Preliminary findings by the United Nations show that world leaders especially 3rd world countries are still grappling with achieving these goals. And that is why it’s imperative we continue to advocate for recommitment on sustainable developments and shared prosperity for all by focusing on policies and actions that target the poorest and most vulnerable, including persons with disabilities. But unfortunately, this is always on paper as they hardly see to the implementation of such agreements.We need to go back to the drawing board and find out where we have derailed and double up efforts.

We must be fully committed and make it a priority.

We need to always include this identified vulnerable demography when making decisions and implementing laws that affect them directly or their parents, caregivers and organisations that support them. They have to be carried along in a manner that adds value to them and the society.

It is therefore imperative to recognize the rights and privileges of persons living with disabilities in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights Of Persons With Disabilities (CRPD) and embed it in all our programmes and activities as a people. It could be anyone.

| Edward-Dibiana is an advocate for inclusion and equity for people living with special needs