NAPVID Champions Access to Justice through the Validation of the Sim plified Edo State Disability Law.

The Network for the Advancement of Persons Living with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID), with support from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) under the ROLAC II Programme funded by the European Union, held a validation meeting on the Simplified Edo State Disability Law on December 2nd 2025 as a part of the Capacity Building For Justice Providers In Handling Vulnerable Groups Project.

The meeting brought together the Chairman, members and staff of the Edo State Disability Commission, representatives of the ROLAC II Programme, disability clusters heads, and other key stakeholders. The session focused on reviewing the simplified version of the law to ensure it is clear, accurate, and accessible to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), while reflecting their rights and lived realities.

During the meeting, participants emphasized the importance of increasing awareness of the law and ensuring that PWDs understand the protections and opportunities it provides. An overview of the law highlighted its commitment to non-discrimination, equal treatment, access to public services, employment, and inclusive participation in society, as well as the role of the Disability Commission in enforcing these provisions.

Stakeholders actively engaged in the validation process, offering feedback and recommendations to improve clarity and implementation. Key suggestions included translating the law into local languages and ensuring its dissemination across all senatorial districts and rural communities in Edo State. The exercise reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening disability rights and promoting inclusive governance in the state.

The law was successfully simplified to make it easier for people to understand, ensuring that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and the wider public can clearly grasp the rights and protections it provides. This simplification will help include awareness of disability rights and promote access to justice for PWDs in all aspects of social, economic, and political activities across Edo State.