The National Human Rights Commission has called on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to ensure that persons affected with down syndrome are accorded their rights in the society by promoting their rights to equality irrespective of their health status.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, in his address during the commemoration of the 2022 World Down Syndrome Day in Abuja stated that Down Syndrome according to World Health Organization, is a kind of disorder that is genetic and ultimately a physical disorder that is caused by an extra chromosome.
The NHRC helmsman said that Down syndrome patients are persons with disabilities whose rights must be protected under national, regional and international legal instruments.
He said that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 10, on “Reduced Inequality” applies to the Down Syndrome patients which is aimed at avoiding discrimination in terms of inequality based on disability, gender origin, race, circumstances of birth and disability.
To this end, the National Human Rights Commission wishes to advocate for an inclusive society where Down Syndrome patients are carried along in all spheres of life.
The Executive Secretary stated that in fulfilling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, no one should be left behind, persons with disabilities must also be seen as a part of the whole in human rights promotion, protection and enforcement. Persons with Down syndrome have been known to attaint their potentials in life if assisted and not excluded.
In particular, the Executive Secretary applauds stakeholders advocating and advancing the rights of Down Syndrome patients both in Nigeria and the world over, for their unrelenting efforts in ensuring continuous sensitization of the general public about the causes of this genetic disorder.
Echoing the theme for this year’s World Down Syndrome Day “WE CONNECT So That We Can” the NHRC Boss said that Connect is an indication that a person can only make connection with another human being, this means that nothing except human beings can connect to achieve a meaningful goal. And that working together and assisting Down syndrome persons can help to forge a better world for them to realize their full potentials in life, thereby carrying everyone along.
The Commission is therefore, standing in connection with all stakeholders and pledges to continue using its platform to advocate and ensure that the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Down Syndrome persons are protected in Nigeria.
