Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Human rights are fundamental to the dignity and well-being of every individual, and in the 21st century, the recognition and protection of these rights have become a global priority. Persons with disabilities are among the most vulnerable populations, often facing systemic discrimination and barriers that impede their full participation in society. This research focuses on the current state of human rights, particularly the rights of persons with disabilities, in Nigeria. Nigeria, as a signatory to various international human rights treaties, has made commitments to protect and promote the rights of all its citizens, including persons with disabilities. However, the implementation of these commitments at the national level remains a challenge. This research examines the legal framework in Nigeria concerning the rights of persons with disabilities, including the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, and analyzes the gaps and areas for improvement. In addition to the legal framework, this research also explores the societal attitudes and cultural factors that contribute to the marginalization of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. Stigma, lack of awareness, and misconceptions about disabilities often result in the exclusion of persons with disabilities from education, employment, and other aspects of social life. By shedding light on these issues, this research aims to raise awareness and promote a more inclusive and rights-based approach to disability in Nigeria. Furthermore, the research investigates the role of government institutions, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders in advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities. It examines the challenges they face in promoting disability rights and highlights best practices and successful initiatives that have helped advance the rights of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. Ultimately, this research underscores the importance of protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities in Nigeria and calls for a more concerted effort from all stakeholders to ensure full inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in society. By addressing the legal, societal, and institutional barriers that hinder the realization of disability rights, Nigeria can move closer to achieving a more just and inclusive society for all its citizens.

Thesis Overview

This study is divided into five chapters. Chapter one is a broad overview and layout of the research. It outlines the research project. This provides an overview of the essence of the research. It covers the background of the research, the statement of the problem, justification of the study, objectives of the study, hypothesis of the study, theoretical framework, literature review, methodology to be used and the limitations of the study.

Chapter two provides an in-depth understanding of the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocols. In addition, this chapter discusses the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria, 2018, touching on the rights of persons with disability.

Chapter three gives an overview of the Persons with Disabilities Act and also touches on other Nigerian major pieces of legislation with general provisions on disability rights in Nigeria. This section will demonstrate the country‘s level of commitment to the disability cause and to portray how the disability human rights principle has been adopted locally.

Chapter four is comparative in nature and discusses the legal treatment accorded to persons with disabilities in the Republic of Korea, which is developed in the law and observance of the rights of persons with disabilities. This will demonstrate that Nigeria lags behind in recognizing and implementing fundamental rights and freedoms, structures and mechanisms put in place to protect the rights and persons with disabilities. In addition, it gives key insights of how the Nigerian statute can be improved to comply with the Constitution of Nigeria, 2018 and international instruments.

Chapter five is divided into two parts: the conclusion and the recommendations. The conclusion is a summary of the research findings. The main purpose of the conclusion is to demonstrate that the Persons with Disabilities Act has pronounced gaps and it can only safely be held so when it is

 

measured against the Constitution of Nigeria, 2018 and the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as yardsticks. It also discusses Nigeria‘s level and extent of compliance on disability laws as captured under the Constitution of Nigeria, 2018 and international instruments.

The recommendations comprise of suggestions of legislative and institutional reforms, which are necessary in order to effectively deal or cater for the rights of the persons with disabilities in Nigeria.