Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria partnered with local NGOs on December 10, 2022, to commemorate International Human Right Day under the theme, “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All.” The event, hosted at Epitome Hotel in Barnawa, Kaduna State, provided a platform for community leaders from all backgrounds, including people with disabilities, to present inspiring messages of peacebuilding.
Audience at the 2022 Human Rights Day commemoration event
GPF Nigeria Country Director, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, spoke out on human right abuses in the country that has caused the death and displacement of many from their ancestral homes. He urged leaders to collaborate to protect the dignity and equality of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable in society.
Speaking about the need to support the rights of people with disabilities, Dr. Micah Shabi, Executive Director for the “Improvement in Respect of Social Status of Disability,” welcomed participants to the event. Alh Rilwanu Muhammad Abdullahi, the President of Physically Challenged Association Nigeria, concurred with Dr. Shabi in his speech, which applauded the opportunity to add the voices of people who have for so long been left in the background. He said the theme of “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All” is vital to people with disabilities.
(Left) Dr. Micah Shabi (Right) Participants entering the venue for the International Human Rights Day 2022 commemoration event
Barr Daniel Bulusson, a lecturer from Kaduna State University, challenges people with disabilities to actively participate in the political process by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards. Nigeria recently passed laws to become more inclusive towards people with disabilities, even establishing a Commission for Persons with Disabilities in 2020.
Mr. Mathias Yashim, Executive Director for the Hope Builders Foundation, who attended the program described the event as a “wake-up call” to all Nigerians to be more conscious of respecting others regardless of their economic status or physical challenges.
