ABILITY IN DISABILITY: EXPLORING THE DIGNITY AND HEALTH RIGHTS OF DISABLED CHILDREN IN SHARĪ‘AH AND NIGERIAN LAWS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53704/dgq3y868Keywords:
Disability. Dignity, Health , Shariah, NigerianAbstract
An estimated 32 million people in Nigeria, including children, live with one form of disability or another. These individuals often face discrimination, rejection, and neglect, especially regarding access to basic social services such as healthcare. This demographic reveals the insufficient attention given to disabled children in Nigeria, particularly in terms of healthcare provisions, unavailability of medications, and specialised care. Despite existing legal instruments, including the Constitution, the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act and the Child's Rights Act, disabled children remain vulnerable. This paper investigates the Sharī’ah and Nigerian law’s position on the protection and care of disabled children facing health challenges and explores viable solutions. Employing a doctrinal method, the study analyses primary and secondary sources and finds that Nigeria law and the Sharī’ah not only advocates for the protection of disabled children’s health but also provides detailed provisions for their care, including physical and spiritual dimensions, which align with Islamic teachings and ethical standards.
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