EU advocates speedy passage of Bill for welfare of vulnerable persons

EU advocates speedy passage of Bill for welfare of vulnerable persons
By Talatu Maiwada
Welfare
Abuja, April 24, 2018 (NAN) The European Union (EU) on Tuesday advocated for speedy passage of a Bill by the National Assembly for the establishment of a National Agency for the Welfare of Vulnerable Persons (NAWVP) in Nigeria.
Mr Kettle Carson, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, made the call at a round-table on a Bill for the establishment of the agency in Abuja.
Karlsen said: “The need to fast track the bill by the National Assembly and final assent by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has become pertinent.
“This however will lead to the successful re-integration and socio-economic mainstreaming of persons with albinism and other vulnerable groups into Nigeria’s social and economy spheres.
“The bill is a key instrument that can address the identified imbalance currently being suffered by this group of persons.’’
The ambassador explained that the meeting was critical as it would synergise and ensure that all contending issues relating to the bill are discussed before its final passage.
He said the bill was aimed at providing legal backing towards improving the socio-economic, political and human rights of persons with albinism and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria, among others.
The vulnerable groups include persons with skin conditions, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism and Sickle cell.
Karlsen recalled that on Oct. 4, 2017, the European Parliament passed a resolution on the situation of Persons with Albinism (PWAs).
“Part of the resolution calls for the EU and its Member States to keep engaging with the countries affected.
“This engagement will effectively support their efforts to formulate policies addressing the specific needs and rights of persons with albinism.
“Towards this, in December 2017, the EU Delegation to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and ECOWAS signed a grant contract with The Albino Foundation to implement a two-year project.
“The project is titled `Access to Social Services for Persons with Albinism in Nigeria’,’’ he said.
Karlsen added the meeting was one of the EU’s supports to addressing the many challenges affecting vulnerable groups in Nigeria.
He assured that the delegation would continue to provide the necessary support towards ensuring that the bill sees the light of the day.
Mr Jake Epelle, Founder, The Albino Foundation (TAF), said the meeting was aimed at bringing together key stakeholders and lawmakers in ensuring that the Bill becomes a law.
Epelle said the meeting had however brought about better opportunities and assurance of the final passage and transmission by the National Assembly to President Muhammadu Buhari by June. (NAN)
TIM/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola