By Justina Auta
The National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD) and an NGO, Sightsavers Nigeria, have expressed concern over the neglect of marginalised groups in Nigeria in the attainment of 2030 SDGs target.
They said in a statement on Saturday in Abuja that progress in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target on inclusion for marginalised groups in Nigeria has derailed.
The statement was signed by Miss Joy Tarbo, Sightsavers Communications Associate.
Dr Sunday Isiyaku, Sightsavers’ Country Director, said, “As the world is coming to the halfway point of the 2030 deadline, progress on the SDGs has derailed.
“They are completely off-track and the promises to leave no-one behind is in peril.’’
According to him, a new 100-day campaign has been launched, seeking for more action to protect global disability rights ahead of a high-level UN summit on the SDGs in September.
He added that the organisation, through its ‘Equal World’ campaign, has highlighted that progress on SDGs could be in peril unless attention is given to marginalised groups, including PWDs.
He cited the UN Secretary-General’s report which showed that People with Disabilities (PWDs) are being hit hardest by the lack of progress on poverty and inequality.
He added that the report had indicated that the number of PWDs living under poverty line globally has doubled.
“We are calling on all world leaders to speed up action on the SDGs and make sure they are inclusive of people with disabilities.
“They must ensure that the Political Declaration, and all national commitments made at the Summit, focus on reaching those who are being left furthest behind.
“This is our last chance to get the Goals back on track,’’ he said.
Similarly, Mr James David-Lalu, Executive Secretary, NCPD, highlighted the need for stakeholders to make conscientious efforts to address the widening inequalities suffered by PWDs, especially in education and healthcare.
“In order to bring about sustainable change, achieve the SDGs and create a more equal world, global decision-makers cannot continue to ignore the 16 per cent of the global population who have disabilities.
“With 100 days/less than 100 days to go until the SDG Summit in September, we must act now to rescue the SDGs and truly leave no one behind.”
He therefore stressed the need for implementation of policies and programmes that are inclusive and accord equal rights for PWDs. (NAN)