A social affairs analyst and commentator, Mr. Ernest Adinweruka, has called for the full implementation of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law 2018, saying it provides comprehensive legal protection for children with disabilities and places clear responsibilities on families, communities and government.
Adinweruka made the call in a critical review of the law based on a compilation by legal practitioner, Barr Chuks Ezewuzie, highlighting the statutory provisions relating to the rights, welfare and protection of children living with disabilities in Anambra State.
According to him, the law expressly prohibits discrimination, neglect, exploitation, violence and abuse against children with disabilities, while also outlawing their concealment, abandonment or segregation because of their condition.
He noted that the legislation guarantees equal treatment for children with disabilities within the family, including equal rights to care, recreation, maintenance and training alongside other children.
Adinweruka explained that the law also protects their right to identity by mandating birth registration, a name and nationality, while ensuring they are not separated from their parents solely because of disability except under limited circumstances sanctioned by the courts or with parental consent for medical treatment, rehabilitation, education or training.
He observed that parents and guardians have a statutory obligation to ensure that children with disabilities receive education up to at least the secondary school level, stressing that the use of the word “shall” in the legislation makes compliance mandatory rather than optional.
Adinweruka, who was a Special Adviser on Cost Efficiency, Research and Development to former Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, further said parents, relatives and friends are expected to protect such children from abuse and discrimination, refrain from hiding or isolating them from society, and always act in their best interests.
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“Government also has clearly defined responsibilities under the law, including preventing abuse, providing public education on recognising and reporting violations, monitoring facilities serving persons with disabilities, and offering rehabilitation and reintegration services for victims.
“Where families are unable to care for children with disabilities, the government is required to provide and sponsor alternative care arrangements,” he said.
Adinweruka argued that effective implementation of the law would foster stronger and more inclusive communities by eliminating stigma and encouraging the participation of children with disabilities in education, recreation and community life.
He said communities would also benefit from improved educational outcomes, enhanced public awareness, greater accountability in institutions serving persons with disabilities, and increased social and economic contributions from children who are adequately educated and rehabilitated.
“The law says the government cannot do it alone, and parents cannot do it alone. It is a shared responsibility,” he said.
He maintained that when families, communities and government collectively fulfil their obligations under the law, children with disabilities would enjoy better protection, education and inclusion, thereby strengthening communities across Anambra State.
Adinweruka concluded that the true measure of any government lies in how it cares for the weak, the poor and other vulnerable members of society, urging all stakeholders to ensure that the provisions of the Anambra State Disability Rights Law 2018 are fully implemented.
