To ensure social inclusion of every child in the country, the United Nations Information Center and the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria, have called on Nigerians to put an end to all forms of discrimination against children with disabilities particularly those living with down syndrome.
The two organisations made the demand during an event in Lagos organized by the foundation to commemorate this year’s World Down Syndrome Day.
World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated across the world on March 21 every year, to raise public awareness and create a single global voice for advocating the rights, inclusion and well-being of people living with down syndrome.
The condition, according to expert, is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, exists in all regions across the globe and commonly results in variable effects on learning styles, physical characteristics or health.
Speaking on this year’s theme titled: “Leave no one behind”, Management Assistant, UNIC, Mrs. Abolanle Olumekor, called on parents who have children with down syndrome to bring them out and stop hiding them while appealing to everyone to show them love so that they would not be left behind in the health care system, education, and others.
The 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development, a global plan of action for people, planet and prosperity, pledges that “no one will be left behind”.
Olumekor stated that all people with down syndrome must be given opportunities to live fulfilling lives, included on a full and equal basis with others, in all aspects of the society.
She said, “This is the day of elimination of racial discrimination as well. We are talking about discrimination because children with disabilities are discriminated against. We can see that from what some parents are saying as their children are secluded and not included because they have down syndrome.”
Olumekor maintained that people with the condition have intellectual roles to play.
According to her, the WDSD was established by the United Nations to create awareness on down syndrome and to draw support for those living with the condition.
Also speaking, National President, DSFN, Mrs. Rose Mordi, revealed that her child living with down syndrome informed her decision of establishing the foundation which today has assisted and supported a lot of parents whose children are living with similar condition.
Giving insight into why parents should love their children with disabilities, Mordi said: “I will want to come from the angle of a parent, my daughter was partly a major reason I started this initiative. It is challenging to have a child with Down syndrome in our own society. That is why this foundation is on, we need to create awareness and educate the people. “
She noted that this year’s theme was geared towards educating everyone to stop discriminating against people with the condition.
Mordi advised parents to bring out their young adults for integration with others so that they could do better.
Lamenting the myths and misconceptions in the society about children with down syndrome, she said: “The major problem is ignorance across the country. We have the responsibility to teach the people about Down syndrome. That is why this year’s theme is “leave no one behind”, we all have roles to play.
Commenting on the roles of government, Mordi called on President Muhammedu Buhari to ensure the full implementation of the disability law.
