Nigerian Youth with Disabilities Demand Climate Inclusion

On November 13, young persons with disabilities in Nigeria, under the Disability Inclusive Climate Justice initiative and supported by the Disability Rights Fund and Youth Empowerment Fund, demanded greater inclusion in climate action during COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye. They issued a policy statement highlighting their frequent exclusion from climate research, innovation, financing, and decision-making, despite being significantly affected by climate-related challenges.

The group pointed out that climate change exacerbates existing inequalities and called for accessible funding and support for climate innovations led by young persons with disabilities. They urged governments and climate institutions to create mechanisms for including persons with disabilities in decision-making and to integrate disability-disaggregated data into climate assessments.

Additionally, they requested that climate information and emergency services be made accessible in various formats. The group emphasized the need for periodic public reports on the implementation of disability-inclusive climate commitments.