Gilbert Ekugbe
The Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria has expressed concerns over the widespread rejection and discrimination faced by people with Down syndrome in society.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to PUNCH Nigeria Limited on Wednesday, the foundation’s Legal Resource Person, Mrs Ijeoma Fynecountry, described the level of stigmatisation as heartbreaking.
She called on the Federal Government to implement disability and intellectual laws to ensure equal rights for people with disabilities across the country.
She urged the Nigerian government at the federal, state, and local levels to take urgent and decisive action to combat the systemic abuse and violation of the rights of people with disabilities.
According to her, the mistreatment of persons with disabilities is a stark failure of Nigerian society to uphold fundamental rights and dignity.
She emphasised that individuals with Down Syndrome are human beings and full-fledged Nigerian citizens, entitled to the same rights and protections as every other individual.
Also speaking, the Deputy Head of Education and Project Manager at DSFN, Innocent Okwu, explained that Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that occurs during conception.
He noted that scientists have yet to determine its exact cause.
He advised parents of children with Down Syndrome not to be discouraged, assuring them that the foundation has the capacity to meet the special needs of their children.
“When a child is born with Down syndrome, there are many challenges that come with it. Instead of having 46 chromosomes, there is an extra chromosome present in children with the syndrome.
“To this day, scientists have not been able to determine the exact cause of this extra chromosome. It is a condition that we are unable to rectify,” he said.
He added that the foundation has been working tirelessly to support people with disabilities for the past 24 years and announced plans to expand its reach to all 36 states of the federation.
On his part, DSFN’s Media Relations Officer, Adesina Olanrewaju, condemned the horrific murder of a 16-year-old girl, Ms Deborah, who had Down Syndrome and was allegedly killed by her father in Calabar, Cross River State.
Lamenting the heinous crime and the alarming rise in violence, abuse, and discrimination against individuals with Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, he said such targeted attacks are often fuelled by ignorance and harmful cultural beliefs, leading to devastating consequences.
“A profound socio-cultural shift is urgently needed to eradicate stigma, promote inclusivity, and ensure accountability for those who harm people with disabilities. There must be consequences for these abuses, alongside nationwide awareness efforts to foster acceptance, respect, and protection of their rights,” he said.
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