Title: Disability rights: the need for safeguard

Authors: Barnabas Chinaedu Diala

Addresses: Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, PMB 2002, Nigeria; Nigerian Law School, Kano Campus, Baguada, Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract: Persons with disabilities have since suffered so much violation of their human rights due to various reasons one of which is the tardy response of the Nigerian federal legislature in enacting a disability law. These most vulnerable groups are currently exposed to frequent abuses from different quarters because of the absence of a specific legal framework to safeguard their human rights. The Nigerian constitution which is the only domestic law guaranteeing its citizens' fundamental rights is however limited in scope as it does not address disability rights specifically. Considering the above, this paper will take an in-depth look at the common forms of violations or barriers faced by disabled persons in the society and the grave effect of such violations. Practicable and concrete recommendations that will help safeguard the inherent dignity of these vulnerable groups will then be proffered.

Keywords: international human rights; human rights law; constitutional law; disability law; international law; disability rights protection; Nigeria; disability legislation; persons with disabilities; disability safeguards; Nigeria; disabled people; vulnerable groups.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHRCS.2013.052754

International Journal of Human Rights and Constitutional Studies, 2013 Vol.1 No.1, pp.41 - 49

Received: 08 Sep 2012
Accepted: 11 Sep 2012

Published online: 31 Mar 2014 *

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