10. Mai 2022

Kurzbeschreibungen zu den in dieser Anfragebeantwortung verwendeten Quellen sowie Ausschnitte mit Informationen aus diesen Quellen finden Sie im Anhang.

Einstellung der Gesellschaft gegenüber Kindern mit Behinderungen, Entwicklungsstörungen und psychischen Erkrankungen

Informationen zur Lage von Personen mit psychischen Erkrankungen in Nigeria im Allgemeinen finden sich in folgender ACCORD-Anfragebeantwortung vom April 2020:

·      ACCORD – Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation: Anfragebeantwortung zu Nigeria: Lage von Personen mit psychischen Erkrankungen [a-11249], 30. April 2020
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2029111.html 

Informationen zu Behandlungsmöglichkeiten und gesellschaftlicher Ausgrenzung von Kindern mit Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen (ASS) sowie Entwicklungsstörungen in Nigeria finden sich in folgender ACCORD-Anfragebeantwortung vom Juli 2021:

·      ACCORD – Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation: Anfragebeantwortung zu Nigeria: Behandlungsmöglichkeiten für Kinder mit Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen (autism spectrum disorders, ASD) und Entwicklungsstörungen (Umfang der Behandlung sowie Zugang und Kosten der Behandlung; Zugang zu Schulen für Kinder mit ASD bzw. Entwicklungsstörungen); gesellschaftliche Ausgrenzung [a-11639], 23. Juli 2021
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2057087.html

In einem wissenschaftlichen Artikel vom März 2019 schreiben Elgujja und Arimoro, dass die Sicht der nigerianischen Gesellschaft auf Behinderung großteils von Kultur und Religion beeinflusst werde. Menschen, die Anzeichen einer psychischen Erkrankung zeigen würden, würden manchmal sogar von der eigenen Familie vernachlässigt. Es gebe Fälle von Menschen mit geistiger Einschränkung, die im Zuge von Ritualen und Praktiken, die auf traditionellen religiösen Glaubenssystemen gründen würden, getötet worden seien. Eltern von Kindern mit Behinderungen hätten manchmal gemischte Gefühle ihren Kindern gegenüber. Einige Eltern seien der Lage ihrer Kinder mit Behinderungen gegenüber positiv eingestellt, während andere Angst hätten oder verzweifelt und wütend seien. Als Beispiel nennen die Autoren den Fall der Athletin Damola Roberts, die in Nigeria mit geistiger Behinderung aufgewachsen sei. Als Kind sei Roberts ausgelacht worden und man habe sie gezwungen, Gras und Sand zu essen. Sie sei in der Schule zudem von ihrer eigenen Schwester ignoriert worden (Elgujja, A. und Arimoro, A., März 2019, S. 82-83).

In ihrer im April 2021 veröffentlichten wissenschaftlichen Abschlussarbeit schreibt Gabrielle Udoka Robertson, dass Autismus und ähnliche Zustände in Nigeria ein schlechtes Ansehen hätten, was sich bereits sprachlich bemerkbar mache. In der Sprache und Kultur der Yoruba[1] etwa würden Menschen mit Autismus oft als „didirin“ oder „akuri“ bezeichnet, was mit idiotisch oder verrückt übersetzt werden könne. „Olukon“, das mit „langsam“ übersetzt werden könne, sei ein weiteres Wort, das geläufig sei, um Menschen mit geistigen Einschränkungen zu bezeichnen. Diese Bezeichnungen würden ständig daran erinnern, wie Menschen mit Behinderungen in der Gesellschaft als weniger wertvoll betrachtet würden. Die Art wie Nigerianer·innen Autismus bezeichnen und verstehen würden, habe eine direkte Auswirkung auf den Alltag von Menschen mit einer Autismus-Spektrum-Störung (ASS). Die sozialen und kulturellen Folgen, die es mit sich bringe, ein Kind mit Autismus in Nigeria großzuziehen, führe dazu, dass Eltern mit destruktiven Stigmatisierungen und Scham zu kämpfen hätten (siehe auch The Guardian, 28. Februar 2019). Zu den bedeutendsten Stigmen, mit denen Familien mit autistischen Kindern zu kämpfen hätten, zähle, dass die Störung als Beweis eines schadhaften familiären Stammbaums angesehen werde („proof of damage in a family’s bloodline“). Kulturelle Überzeugungen zur besonderen Bedeutung des Stammbaums würden dazu führen, dass dieses Stigma umso vernichtender sei. So sei es in der Tradition der Igbo[2] üblich, dass ein Mann den Stammbaum seiner zukünftigen Ehefrau prüfe. Rückschlüsse auf Familienmitglieder mit psychischen Erkrankungen oder mit Behinderungen seien in diesem Prozess Ausschlusskriterien. Daher würden viele Familien versuchen, ihre autistischen Kinder und ihre Familien vor dem prüfenden Blick zu schützen. In den meisten afrikanischen Gesellschaften sei es üblich, Kinder mit Behinderungen zu verstecken (Robertson, G. U., April 2021, S. 22 - 24).

Lage von verhaltensauffälligen Kindern

In einem Bericht von Oktober 2021 schreiben Asylos und die ARC Foundation unter Bezugnahme auf David Anyeale, den Leiter des Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD; Zentrum für Bürger·innen mit Behinderungen, Anm. ACCORD), dass Kinder mit Behinderungen aufgrund des Stigmas, das Menschen mit Behinderungen anhafte, eher gefährdet seien, Opfer von kindsspezifischer Gewalt zu werden. Sie seien gefährdet, Opfer von Ausbeutung und Missbrauch, insbesondere sexuellem Missbrauch, zu werden, da sie sich zu Hause befänden und manche von ihnen nicht sprechen oder sehen könnten. Vorfälle würden von den Familien selten gemeldet, da sie aufgrund des damit zusammenhängenden Stigmas und der Diskriminierung nicht als Familien mit einem Menschen mit Behinderung erkannt werden wollen würden. Danlami Umaru Basharu, Leiter der Anglo-Nigerian Welfare Association for the Blind (Anglo-nigerianische Hilfsorganisation für blinde Menschen, Anm. ACCORD), habe bestätigt, dass Kinder mit Behinderungen speziell gefährdet seien, Opfer von Kindesmissbrauch, sexueller Ausbeutung, Kinderhandel, Zwangsheirat und anderen Formen des Missbrauchs zu werden. Basharu schildert gegenüber Asylos und der ARC Foundation, wie er bei einer Reisebusstation beobachtet habe, wie ein Mann mit einer Gruppe von Kindern mit geistiger Behinderung aufgetaucht sei. Dieser habe vorgegeben für die Kinder zu betteln. Basharu und andere Reisende hätten den Herrn gefragt, wo er die Kinder herhabe und dieser sei daraufhin schnell verschwunden (Asylos und ARC Foundation, Oktober 2021, S. 41).

In einem Artikel vom 4. Oktober 2020 berichtet BBC News von einer Reihe von Fällen von Erwachsenen, die befreit worden seien, nachdem sie jahrelang von ihren Familien eingesperrt worden waren. Manche von ihnen, die psychisch krank gewesen sein sollen, seien mit Eisenfesseln um die Fußgelenke gefunden worden. Sie seien gezwungen worden, am selben begrenzten Ort zu essen, zu schlafen und sich zu entleeren (BBC, 4. Oktober 2020). Laut einem Bericht von Human Rights Watch (HRW) vom Oktober 2020 seien Menschen mit psychischen Erkrankungen in Nigeria auch von willkürlicher Inhaftierung und Ankettung mittels Eisenketten in staatlichen Sozialeinrichtungen und psychiatrischen Krankenhäusern betroffen (HRW, Oktober 2020, S. 45).

Laut dem erwähnten BBC-Artikel würden in Nigeria seit vielen Jahren Schwierigkeiten existieren, was die Betreuung psychisch kranker Menschen betrifft. Dies hänge teilweise mit dem damit verbundenen Stigma zusammen. In manchen Gemeinschaften seien psychische Erkrankungen ein Tabu. Psychisch Kranke würden dort als „Verrückte“ („mad people“) betrachtet und von ihren Familien ausgeschlossen. Sie würden auf der Straße landen und müssten sich aus dem Müll ernähren. Taiwo Lateef, Leiter des Verbands von Psychiater·innen, habe BBC gegenüber erklärt, dass das Wegsperren und Misshandeln psychisch kranker Menschen ein landesweites Problem darstelle. Viele Menschen würden psychische Krankheiten als spirituelles Problem betrachten. Um den dafür für verantwortlich gehaltenen bösen Geist zu exorzieren, würden viele Hilfe bei geistlichen Führer·innen und traditionellen Heiler·innen suchen, so der Psychiater Oluseun Ogunnubi zu BBC. Laut dem Artikel kämen in Nigeria auf etwa 200 Millionen Einwohner·innen weniger als 300 Psychiater·innen (BBC, 4. Oktober 2020; siehe auch HRW, 11. November 2019).

Human Rights Watch erwähnt in einem Artikel vom November 2019, dass Recherchen der Organisation ergeben hätten, dass Menschen mit tatsächlichen oder angenommenen psychischen Problemen („conditions“), darunter Kinder, gewöhnlicherweise von Verwandten ohne ihre Zustimmung in Einrichtungen gebracht worden seien. In einigen Fällen hätten Familien ihre Kinder, darunter junge Erwachsene, wegen tatsächlichen oder vermuteten Drogenmissbrauchs oder „abweichenden“ Verhaltens (darunter Schule schwänzen, Rauchen von Tabak und Marihuana, Diebstahl an ihren Eltern) zu religiösen und traditionellen Rehabilitationszentren gebracht. Einige Kinder in den Einrichtungen seien von ihren Familien gänzlich verlassen worden. HRW berichtet weiters, dass das Personal in 27 der 28 von der Organisation besuchten Einrichtungen in Nigeria Erwachsene und Kinder angekettet hätte. Das jüngste angekettete Kind sei dabei 10 Jahre alt gewesen (HRW, 11. November 2019; siehe auch HRW, Oktober 2020, S. 12).

Lage von Kindern, die der Hexerei beschuldigt werden

In einem 2021 erschienenen wissenschaftlichen Artikel stellt der Autor Chima Agazue fest, dass Kinderhexerei in Nigeria ein ernsthaftes Problem darstelle, insbesondere in den Bundesstaaten Akwa Ibom und Cross River. Hunderte vermeintliche Kinderhexer·innen würden jährlich auf der Straße landen, manche würden getötet (siehe auch EUAA, November 2018, S. 108). Kinder aller Altersgruppen und Geschlechter seien davon betroffen. Bestimmte Verhaltensweisen und Beeinträchtigungen würden dazu führen, dass Kinder für Hexer·innen gehalten würden. Etwa wenn die Kinder zu schmutzig, respektlos, stur, unhöflich, egoistisch, einzelgängerisch, unterernährt, herrisch, epileptisch, geistig unterentwickelt oder Schlafwandler·innen seien. Diese Kinder würden oft unmenschlich behandelt. Unter Bezugnahme auf wissenschaftliche Berichte aus verschiedenen Regionen Afrikas wird im Artikel weiters geschildert, dass Kinderhexer·innen oft verstoßen, entstellt oder getötet würden. Üblich seien auch weitere unmenschliche Behandlungen wie Säurebäder, Vergiften, Ertränken, lebendig begraben, lebendig verbrennen, an einen Baum binden, in einen Raum sperren und Ähnliches (siehe auch EUAA, November 2018, S.  108). Diese Handlungen würden entweder als Bestrafung durchgeführt oder um Geständnisse herauszulocken. Viele Kinder würden getötet, nachdem sie der Hexerei beschuldigt worden seien. Diejenigen die überleben würden, insbesondere die Verstoßenen, würden mit hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit ihr Leben lang stigmatisiert und diskriminiert, so der Artikel (Agazue C., 2021, S. 3-4).

In einem Bericht von November 2018 der European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) wird geschildert, dass Fälle von Kindern, die beschuldigt werden, Hexer·innen zu sein, im letzten Jahrzehnt angestiegen seien. Unter Bezugnahme auf im Jahr 2017 getätigte Aussagen des Sozialanthropologen David Pratten heißt es in dem Bericht, dieses Phänomen sei verbunden mit der Annahme, dass Kinder magische Kräfte besäßen und Todesfälle sowie Versagen verursachen würden. Besonders im Bundesstaat Akwa Ibom würden Tötung, versuchte Tötung und Verstoßung von Kindern grassieren, so Pratten laut dem Bericht. Unter Bezugnahme auf UNICEF zählt der EUAA-Bericht auf, welche Kinder besonders gefährdet seien, der Hexerei beschuldigt zu werden. Dazu würden unter anderem auch Kinder mit psychischen Störungen wie Autismus oder dem Down-Syndrom und Ähnlichem zählen, aber auch Kinder, die stottern würden oder besonders begabt seien. Ebenso gefährdet seien Kinder, die jegliches ungewöhnliche Verhalten zeigen würden, etwa Kinder, die stur, aggressiv, bedächtig, zurückgezogen oder faul seien. Allgemein könne jegliches Verhalten, das in einem vom Hexerei-Diskurs definierten, spezifischen Kontext als ungewöhnlich oder abnormal erscheinen würde, darunterfallen. Die Menschenrechtsverletzungen gegenüber Kindern, die der Hexerei beschuldigt werden und auf der Straße landen, würden von Banden, aber auch von den Behörden ausgehen. In den christlichen Regionen im Süden Nigerias käme es häufiger zu Anschuldigungen der Kinderhexerei als in den nördlichen, muslimischen Regionen (EUAA, November 2018, S. 107-108).

Existieren staatliche oder nichtstaatliche Einrichtungen, die die Betreuung verhaltensauffälliger Kinder übernehmen oder die Eltern bei der Erziehung unterstützen?

Laut dem HRW-Artikel vom November 2019 hätten mehrere Expert·innen im Bereich psychischer Gesundheit ausgesagt, dass hochwertige psychische Betreuung in Nigeria nur wohlhabenderen Bürger·innen zur Verfügung stehe, die sich diese Betreuung leisten könnten. Der Mangel an hochwertiger psychischer Betreuung und die damit verbundenen hohen Kosten würden Menschen dazu verleiten, traditionelle oder glaubensbasierte Heiler·innen aufzusuchen (HRW, 11. November 2019). In ihrer im April 2021 veröffentlichten wissenschaftlichen Abschlussarbeit schreibt die Wissenschaftlerin Gabrielle Udoka Robertson, es sei für Eltern autistischer Kinder in Nigeria ein kompliziertes Unterfangen, Unterstützung zu bekommen. Das liege daran, dass Nigeria ein ländlich geprägtes Land sei und soziale Dienstleistungen hier unterentwickelt seien. Die meiste Betreuung von Kindern mit ASS käme von Seiten „glaubensbasierter Organisationen und Mainstream-Schulen“. Die Art der Hilfe unterscheide sich abhängig von der Region und den finanziellen Möglichkeiten der Eltern sehr stark. Viele Eltern würden sich an geistliche Führer·innen wenden (Robertson, G. U., April 2021, S. 27).

Laut dem Artikel von Elgujja, A. und Arimoro, A. von März 2019 würden Menschen mit geistiger Behinderung vom Staat hinsichtlich der Bereitstellung spezieller Schulen und spezieller Infrastruktur, die bei ihrer gesellschaftlichen Inklusion helfen, vernachlässigt. Die begrenzte Anzahl spezialisierter Schulen im Land bedeute, dass viele Kinder mit geistiger Beeinträchtigung im schulfähigen Alter gar keine Schule oder eine normale Schule besuchen würden, wo ihnen nicht die nötige Betreuung zukomme. Sie seien dort zudem der Stigmatisierung durch andere Kinder ausgesetzt (Elgujja, A. und Arimoro, A., März 2019, S. 82-83).

Unter Bezugnahme auf eine MedCOI-Anfragebeantwortung der EUAA zum Thema Kinder und psychische Gesundheit von April 2020 schreibt das UK Home Office in einem Bericht vom Dezember 2021, dass kinderärztliche Tagesbetreuung und Unterricht nur in privaten Einrichtungen verfügbar seien (UK Home Office, Dezember 2021, S. 61). In einer weiteren EUAA-MedCOI-Anfragebeantwortung werde darüber informiert, dass es keine nationalen Programme gebe, um Kinder mit Entwicklungsstörungen finanziell zu unterstützen. Einige nationale tertiäre Gesundheitszentren würden eine Teilabdeckung anfallender Kosten durch den Versicherungsschutz anbieten. Für gewöhnlich könne jedes Kind die Dienstleistungen solcher Zentren beanspruchen. Manchen Bundesstaaten sei es zudem möglich, eine Teilabdeckung für Kinder anzubieten. So würde der Bundesstaat Lagos eine Teilabdeckung von Kosten über die Versicherung für alle Kinder bis zum 12. Lebensjahr anbieten, darin eingeschlossen Kinder mit Entwicklungsstörungen. Es gebe jedoch NGOs und staatliche Organisationen, die diese Kinder hinsichtlich der Bildungsmöglichkeiten und spezialisierter Dienstleistungen, wie zum Beispiel Sprechtherapie, Beschäftigungstherapie oder kinderpsychologischen Diensten, unterstützen würden. Die Regierung des Bundesstaates Lagos besitze zudem Schulen für Kinder mit Behinderungen und unterstütze NGOs, die entsprechende Dienste anböten. So gehöre ihr die Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment Home/School, die von einer privaten NGO gegründet und später vom Bundesstaat Lagos übernommen worden sei. Die speziellen Dienstleistungen würden hier gebührenfrei angeboten. Die MedCOI-Anfragebeantwortung zähle laut UK Home Office auch das Children Development Center Africa (CDCA) in Lagos auf, das auf einer öffentlich-privaten Zusammenarbeit basiere. Gebühren für Dienstleistungen des CDCA würden gestaffelt nach finanzieller Lage der Familien erhoben. Das UK Home Office nennt 14 weitere NGOs, die landesweit Dienstleistungen für Kinder mit Entwicklungsstörungen anbieten würden. Darunter auch die NGO Patrick Speech and Languages Centre in Lagos, die Dienstleistungen wie Sprach- und Sprechtherapie, Verhaltenstherapie, Beschäftigungstherapie und Berufsausbildungen anbieten würde (UK Home Office, Dezember 2021, S. 62-63). Laut der Webseite des Zentrums seien Menschen mit Autismus und anderen Entwicklungsstörungen dessen Zielgruppe (Patrick Speech and Languages Centre, ohne Datum). Die Dienstleistungen seien nicht kostenfrei, die NGO würde jedoch Teilstipendien für ihre Dienstleistungen anbieten. Die Dienstleistungen der 13 weiteren im Bericht des UK Home Office genannten NGOs seien auch nicht kostenfrei verfügbar, die NGOs würden anfallende Kosten jedoch teilweise erlassen (UK Home Office, Dezember 2021, S. 62-63; siehe auch Al Jazeera, 29. Juli 2021; edusko, ohne Datum).

Laut einem Artikel vom 30. November 2018 der Nachrichtenorganisation DEVEX seien die Gebühren für spezialisierte Schulen für Kinder mit Behinderungen nicht günstig. Ein Semester am Patrick Speech and Language Centre koste etwa umgerechnet 1.375 US-Dollar. Dies sei für viele in Nigeria, wo etwa die Hälfte der Bevölkerung von weniger als 2 US-Dollar pro Tag lebe, ein großer finanzieller Aufwand. Oft würden diese finanziellen Bedingungen Familien zwingen, die Therapie des Kindes abzubrechen, wenn nur langsam Fortschritte erzielt würden, oder ihr Kind nicht zur Schule zu schicken (DEVEX, 30. November 2018).

 

Quellen: (Zugriff auf alle Quellen am 10. Mai 2022)

·      ACCORD – Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation: Anfragebeantwortung zu Nigeria: Lage von Personen mit psychischen Erkrankungen [a-11249], 30. April 2020
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2029111.html

·      ACCORD – Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation: Anfragebeantwortung zu Nigeria: Behandlungsmöglichkeiten für Kinder mit Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen (autism spectrum disorders, ASD) und Entwicklungsstörungen (Umfang der Behandlung sowie Zugang und Kosten der Behandlung; Zugang zu Schulen für Kinder mit ASD bzw. Entwicklungsstörungen); gesellschaftliche Ausgrenzung [a-11639], 23. Juli 2021
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/2057087.html

·      Agazue C.: “Child Witches“: Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Homeless Girls in South-Southern Nigeria. In: Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence, 2021, Vol. 6: Iss. 1, Article 3
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1200&context=dignity

·      Al Jazeera: How parents and teachers empower Nigeria’s special needs children, 29. Juli 2021
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2021/7/29/how-parents-and-teachers-empower-nigerias-special-needs-children

·      Asylos und ARC Foundation: Nigeria: Children and Young People with Disabilities, Oktober 2021
https://www.asylos.eu/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=97d1cb63-4033-4f34-9241-f1651a687b7a

·      BBC: Why some Nigerian families lock up children and the mentally ill, 4. Oktober 2020
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-53893271

·      CTB - Community Tool Box: New Life Education Project for Remand Home Children, ohne Datum
https://ctb.ku.edu/en/new-life-education

·      DEVEX: For children with disabilities in Nigeria, educational opportunities remain scant, 30. November 2018
https://www.devex.com/news/for-children-with-disabilities-in-nigeria-educational-opportunities-remain-scant-93819

·      edusko: Top 15 Special Needs Schools in Nigeria, ohne Datum
https://www.edusko.com/blog/top-15-special-needs-schools-nigeria

·      Elgujja, A. und Arimoro, A.: Persons with Intellectual Disability and Access to Justice in Nigeria. In: Challenges and the Way Forward, 5, März 2019, S. 93-96.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335014366_Persons_with_Intellectual_Disability_and_Access_to_Justice_in_Nigeria_Challenges_and_the_Way_Forward

·      EUAA – European Union Agency for Asylum (ehemals: European Asylum Support Office, EASO): Nigeria; Targeting of individuals, November 2018
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2001375/2018_EASO_COI_Nigeria_Targeting·individuals.pdf

·      HRW – Human Rights Watch: Nigeria: People With Mental Health Conditions Chained, Abused, 11. November 2019
https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/11/11/nigeria-people-mental-health-conditions-chained-abused

·      HRW – Human Rights Watch: Living In Chains Shackling of People with Psychosocial Disabilities Worldwide, Oktober 2020
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2039276/global_shackling1020_web_2.pdf

·      Patrick Speech and Languages Centre: About Us, ohne Datum
https://pslcautism-ng.org/about-us/

·      Robertson, G. U.: Explanatory Models of Autism in Nigeria: Exploring Sociocultural Beliefs to Inform Systems of Care, April 2021
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2862&context=hon_thesis

·      The Gaurdian, Why some kids behave badly, 28. Februar 2019
https://guardian.ng/features/why-some-kids-behave-badly/

·      UK Home Office: Country Information Note Nigeria: Medical treatment and healthcare [Version 4.0], Dezember 2021
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2067422/NGA_CIN_Medical_treatment_and_healthcare.pdf

 

Anhang: Quellenbeschreibungen und Informationen aus ausgewählten Quellen

Agazue Chima ist ein britisch-nigerianischer Wissenschaftler im Bereich Psychologie, Kriminologie und Strafjustiz.

·      Agazue C.: “Child Witches“: Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of Homeless Girls in South-Southern Nigeria. In: Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence, 2021, Vol. 6: Iss. 1, Article 3
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1200&context=dignity

„In Nigeria, child witchcraft is [...] a serious social problem [...], particularly in Akwa Ibom and Cross River [...] Hundreds of children continue to appear on the streets every year since then to date as abandoned child witches whilst others are murdered. [...] […] Children of all ages and genders are targeted [...] A broad range of behaviors and impairments are relied upon to identify the child witches, such as being too dirty, disrespectful, stubborn, impolite, selfish, solitary, malnourished, domineering, or being epileptic, mentally retarded, or a sleep-walker [...] These children are often treated inhumanely. Academic reports from different parts of Africa consistently show that child witches are frequently abandoned, maimed, tormented or killed [...] Acid baths, poisoning, slaughtering, drowning, live burial, live burning [...], being tied to a tree, locked up in a room, forced to sleep with a human corpse [...] and other inhumane treatments are also commonplace. These are done as part of punishments or to extract confessions [...] While many children are murdered following the witchcraft-related accusations, others survive and for those who survive, particularly the abandoned ones, their childhood experiences are markedly different from those of their peers. They are very likely to face stigmatization and discrimination for life [...] Many live on the street as a result.“ (Agazue C., 2021, S. 3-4)

Al Jazeera ist ein in Qatar ansässiger arabischer Nachrichtensender.

·      Al Jazeera: How parents and teachers empower Nigeria’s special needs children, 29. Juli 2021
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2021/7/29/how-parents-and-teachers-empower-nigerias-special-needs-children

„Joseph was about to turn two when his mother noticed that he liked to keep to himself. He would not associate with other children, was not maintaining eye contact, had started walking on his toes, and mumbling, which she found particularly strange because a child’s speech should improve with time. All the signs called to mind something she had read in passing in a magazine several years earlier. So she went on Google to research his symptoms and possible diagnosis. Everything she read confirmed her suspicions: autism. ‘I just knew,’ says Aisha John-Mark, gazing at the wall in front of her as she recalls that day. ‘And I knew I had to seek help.’

She returned to Google for speech therapists in Abuja and it led her to a website about behavioural disabilities, how to care for children with special needs, and the importance of early diagnosis. Aisha contacted the writer, Lola Aneke, a special needs educator and founder of the Comprehensive Autism and related Disabilities Education and Training (CADET) Academy. The school, located in Asokoro, a highbrow area in Abuja, provides early intervention and educational services for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Asperger’s syndrome, Down’s syndrome, and other developmental disabilities.“ (Al Jazeera, 29. Juli 2021)

Die Asylum Research Centre (ARC) Foundation (ehemals Asylum Research Consultancy) ist eine eingetragene gemeinnützige Organisation mit Sitz im Vereinigten Königreich, die bis März 2022 Herkunftsländerinformationsrecherchen anbot, um Asylansuchen zu unterstützen, und zudem Advocacy- und Trainingsarbeit leistet, um zu einer Verbesserung der Qualität von Asylverfahren beizutragen. Asylos ist ein globales Netzwerk Freiwilliger, die Herkunftsländerinformationen recherchieren. Mit April 2022 wurde die ARC-Herkunftsländerinformationsrecherche in Asylos integriert.

·      Asylos und ARC Foundation: Nigeria: Children and Young People with Disabilities, Oktober 2021
https://www.asylos.eu/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=97d1cb63-4033-4f34-9241-f1651a687b7a

„Interviewee David Anyeale also told Asylos and ARC Foundation that children with disabilities are more vulnerable to child-specific harm because of stigma towards persons with disabilities which families rarely report: ‘They are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse especially sexual exploitation because they are at home and some of them cannot speak or see and so the chances of exposing them to sexual and other violations may be very high. And families also do not want to be noticed as families that have persons with disabilities. As such most times when these things occur family members do not report because of these issues of stigma and discrimination. In my organisation, we have a free line and we ask people to make calls or to report such issues. Regrettably, we hardly get response. But while in the community you will hear sometimes these things are happening that nobody talks about it. [...] I was saying that due to the quest or struggle to overcome poverty these children or young people with disabilities may expose themselves to environment that may mistreat them. And due to government negligence on their part, by not taking measures to provide social protection for children with disabilities and their families there's chances of exploitation: be it sexual exploitation or otherwise against young people and people with disabilities.’ (Source: Interview with David Anyeale, Executive Director, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), 26 June 2021)

Danlami Umaru Basharu confirmed that children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and harm: ‘Child abuse, sexual exploitation, child trafficking, forced marriage and other abuses abound among persons with disabilities. They are made to encounter these very harmful practices because of their vulnerability. (Source: Written correspondence with Danlami Umaru Basharu, Director of the AngloNigerian Welfare Association for the Blind, 14 August 2021)

He gave examples from his own experience: ‘One example given to me is of a deaf girl who was neglected by her family as a result of which she was made vulnerable to human trafficking. This resulted to her being trafficked to Ghana for prostitution. [...] I remember when I was travelling somewhere and at the motor park, while waiting for the bus to fill up, there came a man with a group of children with mental difficulties allegedly begging on their behalf. I accosted him and asked where he got the children from. Other passengers joined me and before you knew it, he disappeared.’ (Source: Written correspondence with Danlami Umaru Basharu, Director of the AngloNigerian Welfare Association for the Blind, 14 August 2021)“ (Asylos and ARC Foundation, Oktober 2021, S. 41)

Is there evidence that children and young people with disabilities experience forcible marriage, forms of constraint, neglect, abandonment and / or violence (including rape), by family or other community members?

1.8.1. General information The following report from the BBC describes a series of cases in which individuals (including 7 children) had been found locked up and severely mistreated by their families in Kano State. The Head of the Psychiatrist’s Union told the BBC that ‘the cases in the north is a reflection of what is happening in Nigeria. This issue of locking up mentally ill people and maltreating them is a widespread issue across the country’:“ (Asylos and ARC Foundation, Oktober 2021, S. 43)

Die British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), ist eine öffentlich-rechtliche Rundfunkanstalt des Vereinigten Königreichs.

·      BBC: Why some Nigerian families lock up children and the mentally ill, 4. Oktober 2020
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-53893271

„A spate of cases in which people have been rescued after being locked up for many years by their families has shocked Nigerians, and shone a spotlight on both parental neglect and the lack of mental health provision.

Some adults, said to be mentally ill, were found with iron chains around their ankles, and forced to eat, sleep and defecate within the same confined place.

In one case, a 32-year-old man was chained up for at least seven years in his parents' garage in north-western Kano state.

There have also been reports of children being treated violently while under the care of step-mothers or relatives.

In the most recent case in September, a seven-year-old's step-mother was arrested after he was allegedly battered to death at his home in Kano, the biggest state in northern Nigeria. The step-mother has not yet been charged, and hasn't commented. […]

The 30-year-old rescued from his parents' garage in Kano, where neighbours said he had been locked up for seven years for allegedly being mentally ill, could barely walk when he was found.

His legs were crooked at his badly callused knees and too frail to support his severely emaciated body.

In another case in Kano, a 55-year-old man was found locked in a room without a door or window. One of his feet was attached to a large log with a metal bar.

He had been locked up by his family for 30 years because he was mentally ill, and was taken to Rogo General Hospital. A doctor at the hospital, Luis Nweke, said he suffered from ‘irrational behaviour and psychosis’.

For many years, Nigeria has struggled to look after mentally ill people, partly because of the stigma associated with it.

In some communities, mental illness is seen as a taboo and the mentally ill are referred to as ‘mad people’, ex-communicated by their families, forced to roam the streets in tattered clothes and eat from rubbish dumps.

‘The cases in the north is a reflection of what is happening in Nigeria. This issue of locking up mentally ill people and maltreating them is a widespread issue across the country,’ head of the psychiatrists' union, Dr Taiwo Lateef, told the BBC.

Up-to-date data on the number of people requiring treatment is not available, but with less than 300 psychiatrists in a country with a population of around 200 million, families often turn to traditional healing centres, and faith-based facilities, both Christian and Muslim.

‘Because most people see mental illness as a spiritual problem, they seek help from spiritual leaders and traditional healers hoping to exorcise the evil spirit responsible,’ said Dr Oluseun Ogunnubi, a consultant psychiatrist.“ (BBC, 4. Oktober 2020)

DEVEX ist eine laut Selbstbeschreibung unabhängige Nachrichtenorganisation mit Büros in London, Barcelona, Manila und Washington D.C.

·      DEVEX: For children with disabilities in Nigeria, educational opportunities remain scant, 30. November 2018
https://www.devex.com/news/for-children-with-disabilities-in-nigeria-educational-opportunities-remain-scant-93819

„To be sure, special needs education is capital intensive for all involved. Training for staff and internationally-recognized certifications aren’t cheap. Neither are the fees for specialized schools. A term at the Patrick Speech and Language Centre, for example, costs 500,000 Nigerian naira (US $1,375), a massive financial undertaking for many in a country where roughly half of the population lives on less than $2 a day. This compounds the problem for families, who often find financial constraints oblige them to terminate their child’s therapy — if families deem the progress too slow, or choose not to enroll their children in school.“ (DEVEX, 30. November 2018)

Edusko ist eine Online-Suchwebseite für den Vergleich von Schulen.

·      edusko: Top 15 Special Needs Schools in Nigeria, ohne Datum
https://www.edusko.com/blog/top-15-special-needs-schools-nigeria

„For parents whose kids learn differently, the challenge is more. Juggling their jobs and family responsibility with taking special care of their kids is no child’s play. To ease this burden for parents and provide suitable learning environment for children with special emotional, physical or academic needs, there are some special needs schools with professionals who are trained to give such children needed education and care […] In Nigeria, there are quite a number of special needs schools.  Sadly, most parents are not even aware that these schools exist. […] The special needs schools listed here are listed in no particular order. List of Special Needs Schools in Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja Nigeria

1. Royal School of Therapy Education, Abuja Royal school of therapy is a non-profit private school comprising of General Education and Special Education services for students (Kindergarten to High School for General Education; Kindergarten to Adulthood for Special Education) services for students with and without disabilities. They provide educational therapy and academic tutoring for students with learning difficulties due to academic challenges, disabilities and traumatic brain injury. […]

2. C.A.D.E.T Academy, Abuja C.A.D.E.T. Academy is a research- and evidence-based special needs education and learning program located in Abuja, Nigeria. C.A.D.E.T means Comprehensive Autism and related Disabilities Education and Training Academy. The Academy adopts either an inclusive or intensive one-on- one approach, under a loving atmosphere, and applies research-based and evidence-based educational procedures to exchange undesirable habits and behaviour with acceptable and desirable ones […]

3. Centre for Children With Special Needs, Abuja ‘CCSN‘ is a Non-governmental organization serving as a learning support service and resource centre for children with special needs, set up in the regular school environment, to promote inclusion (integration) and give quality education. They support children with Cerebral Palsy Down Syndrome, Autism Spectrum disorder, learning difficulties, and other related developmental disabilities […]

4. Modupe Cole Memorial Child, Lagos Modupe Cole Memorial was founded as far back as 1960. The school supports children with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, e.t.c. The school runs both academic and vocational […]

6. Open Door Special education centre, Jos, Plateau State They provide special care for children with intellectual disability and developmental delay such as Mental retardation, autism, ASD, cerebral palsy, dyslexia, Down syndrome, reading disability, dyslexia, speech and language delay, articulation disorder, learning disability. […]

7. Anthos House, Lekki, Lagos Anthos House is an autism school in Lagos. They believe in an integrated approach to education, care and therapy, while being committed to strong academic progress delivered as functional skills […]

9. Olg Health Foundation and Autism Centre, Abuja Our Lady of Guadalupe Health Foundation/Autism Centre is a foundation that offers biomedical intervention for children in the Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Nigeria with a Defeat Autism Now (DAN) trained doctor using the world recognized DAN protocol […]

10. Start Right Center, Lagos Start Right Center is a special school for children who have traits of autism, Attention Deficit Disorder and other learning difficulties […]

11. Patrick Speech and Language Centre, Ikeja, Lagos PSLC provides specialized educational services for individuals living with Autism in Nigeria […]

12. Centre for Autism and Developmental Disabilities CADD is a Non-Governmental Organization focusing on autism spectrum disorders and related developmental disabilities […]

13. Hope House Initiative, Abuja Hope House Initiative […] They offer special training to children with autism […]“ (edusko, ohne Datum)

Elgujja Abba Amsami ist Wissenschaftler an der King Saud University Medical City.

Der Wissenschaftler Augustine Arimoro ist Dozent an der St. Mary University in Twickenham, UK.

·      Elgujja, A. und Arimoro, A.: Persons with Intellectual Disability and Access to Justice in Nigeria. In: Challenges and the Way Forward, 5. März 2019https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335014366_Persons_with_Intellectual_Disability_and_Access_to_Justice_in_Nigeria_Challenges_and_the_Way_Forward

„In Nigeria, the way society views disability is largely influenced by culture and religion. Persons who show signs of mental illness in the country are sometimes neglected even by family. There are cases of persons with intellectual disability killed as part of rituals or practices that flow from traditional religious belief systems. Women with this challenge are also victims of rape with many homeless and often seen on the streets in towns and parents of disabled children sometimes have mixed attitudes regarding their children. Some parents have been found to show positive attitude toward the plight of their disabled children while others maintain a feeling of fear, despair and anger.

The Story of Damola Roberts, an athlete who grew up in Nigeria with intellectual disability resonates the plight of persons with that challenge in the country. According to Roberts, as a child he was laughed at, made to eat grass and sand and sadly, even ignored in school by his own sister. There is also an apparent neglect of persons with this challenge from the government in terms of the provision of special schools and infrastructure to assist their inclusion in society. The limited number of special schools in the country means that many school age children with intellectual disability do not go to school or end up in regular schools where they lack the kind of care they should get in addition to being stigmatised by other children who do not full understand the condition of their challenged peers.“ (Elgujja, A. und Arimoro, A., März 2019, S. 82-83)

Die Asylagentur der Europäischen Union (European Union Agency for Asylum, EUAA) ist eine EU-Agentur, deren Aufgabe es ist, die Mitgliedstaaten bei der Umsetzung des als Gemeinsames Europäisches Asylsystem bekannten EU-Gesetzespakets zu Asyl, internationalem Schutz und Aufnahmebedingungen zu unterstützen.

·      EUAA – European Union Agency for Asylum (ehemals: European Asylum Support Office, EASO): Nigeria; Targeting of individuals, November 2018
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2001375/2018_EASO_COI_Nigeria_Targeting·individuals.pdf

„In the last decade, an increasing tendency to accuse children to be witches has been noticed. The reasons why children have become the specific focus of child witchcraft accusations remain partially unclear, according to a report by the European Parliament (EP). The report lists several general issues to explain the phenomenon, including ‘profound societal transformations, religious changes, the collapse of traditional institutions and social problems suffered by both children and adults.’ According to Pratten, this is ‘linked to ideas that children possess occult powers and cause fatalities or failure.’ Particularly in Akwa Ibom State, cases of murder, attempted murder and abandonment of children are rampant; an estimated 15 000 children have been accused of witchcraft, he said. This trend is linked to Pentecostal church preaching and exorcism of evil spirits during services. He notes that ‘a church that can identify the enemies of progress, the reason why the business, the family are not progressing, not becoming wealthy/prosperous is key to the competition between churches.’ However, close family also often accuses a child to be a witch. The following profiles of children are at particular risk of accusation of witchcraft, according to UNICEF:

• ‘Children having lost both parents, sent to live with another relative. Sometimes the child is sent to a host family according to rules of kinship (matrilineal or patrilineal). […]

• Children living with a physical disability (any physical abnormality: large head, swollen belly, red eyes, etc.), those with a physical illness (epilepsy, tuberculosis, etc.) or psychological disorder (autism or Down Syndrome, etc., even those who stutter) or especially gifted children.

• Children showing any unusual behaviour, for example children who are stubborn, aggressive, thoughtful, withdrawn or lazy. In short, all kinds of behaviour that, in a specific context defined by witchcraft discourse, appear as unusual or abnormal. […]

Human rights violations to children accused of witchcraft can include: infanticide, abandonment, physical and sexual violence. Once the child ends up living on the streets, it often encounters other violence, perpetrated by gangs but also often by the authorities. Common problems these children encounter are: drugs, illegal work, prostitution, begging, no schooling, and stigmatisation and discrimination. Accusations of child witches occur more frequently in southern Nigeria’s Christian regions and much less in the (Muslim) northern regions.“ (EUAA, November 2018, S. 107-108)

·      HRW – Human Rights Watch: Nigeria: People With Mental Health Conditions Chained, Abused, 11. November 2019
https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/11/11/nigeria-people-mental-health-conditions-chained-abused

„Human Rights Watch found that people with actual or perceived mental health conditions, including children, are placed in facilities without their consent, usually by relatives […]

A nun in charge during a Human Rights Watch visit to a state-owned rehabilitation center in southeastern Nigeria said they chain people to their beds ‘so they do not run away.’ The nun defended chaining a woman who had HIV ‘to stop her from going around the men.’ Human Rights Watch found another woman at the same institution chained naked to her bed.

The staff, except one older guard, would leave at 6:30 p.m. each day, leaving residents, including children as young as 13, with no one to help them. The facility has no electricity, so people are chained to their beds in total darkness. The nun said that, ‘The patients are given flashlights to use at night.’ […]

Adults and children in some Islamic rehabilitation centers reported being whipped, causing deep wounds. People in Christian healing centers and churches described being denied food for up to three days at a time, which staff characterized as ‘fasting’ for ‘treatment’ purposes.  

In many of the traditional and religious rehabilitation centers visited, staff forced people with mental health conditions, including children, to eat or drink herbs, in some cases with staff pinning people down to make them swallow. […]

In some cases, families took their children – including young adults – to religious and traditional rehabilitation centers for actual or perceived drug use or ‘deviant’ behavior, including skipping school, smoking tobacco or marijuana, or stealing from their parents. Some children in the facilities – some as young as 10 – have been abandoned by their families. […]

Nigeria has fewer than 300 psychiatrists for an estimated population of over 200 million. Several mental health professionals told Human Rights Watch that quality mental health services are available only to wealthier citizens who can afford it. The lack of quality mental health care and its prohibitive cost often drives people to consult traditional or faith-based healers. […]

In 27 out of 28 facilities visited, staff chained or shackled adults and children. The youngest child chained was a 10-year-old boy and the oldest person was an 86-year-old man who also had a visual disability“ (HRW, 11. November 2019)

·      HRW – Human Rights Watch: Living In Chains Shackling of People with Psychosocial Disabilities Worldwide, Oktober 2020
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2039276/global_shackling1020_web_2.pdf

„In Nigeria, Human Rights Watch visited 28 state-run and private facilities between 2018 and 2019, across which a few hundred people were arbitrarily detained, and where people were regularly chained or shackled. In Nigeria, amongst the people Human Rights Watch interviewed, the youngest child chained was a 10-year-old boy and the oldest person was an 86-year-old man.“ (HRW, Oktober 2020, S. 12)

„People with mental health conditions can also be arbitrarily detained and chained in staterun social care institutions and psychiatric hospitals. Human Rights Watch research in Nigeria found that people with mental health conditions were held in iron shackles around their ankles in locked-up wards in a psychiatric hospital and in government-run rehabilitation centers.“ (HRW, Oktober 2020, S. 45)

Das Patrick Speech and Languages Centre bietet in Nigeria Dienstleistungen für Menschen mit Autismus und anderen Entwicklungsstörungen.

·      Patrick Speech and Languages Centre: About Us, ohne Datum
https://pslcautism-ng.org/about-us/

„VISION

A Centre where individuals living with Autism and other related developmental disorders are given opportunities by identifying their needs and supporting their individual strengths using evidence-based methods in achieving their full potentials.

MISSION

To provide specialized educational services for individuals living with Autism within and outside Nigeria.

To integrate child(ren) into mainstream schools to become self-confident learners.

To create awareness and support indigent families with children living with Autism and other developmental disabilities.

To provide employment opportunities for individuals with Special Needs.

To create vocational opportunities for special needs people that are struggling with educational challenges.“ (Patrick Speech and Languages Centre, ohne Datum)

Gabrielle Udoka Robertson ist Absolventin der psychologischen Fakultät an der University of Mississipi.

·      Robertson, G. U.: Explanatory Models of Autism in Nigeria: Exploring Sociocultural Beliefs to Inform Systems of Care, April 2021
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2862&context=hon_thesis

„What do Nigerians call ASD and what do they believe causes it?

Firstly, autism and similar conditions have negative perceptions starting from how people describe and define them. In the Yoruba culture and language, people with autism are often referred to as ‘didirin’ or ‘akuri’ which can be translated to idiotic and insane (Obiakor et al., 2012). ‘Olukun'' is another word that is commonly used to describe people with intellectual disabilities which roughly translates to ‘slow’. These names, similar to the use of ‘retard’ in the United States, are not only damaging but are a constant reminder of how people with disabilities are seen as less than in society. These negative associations with pervasive developmental disorders guide how people interpret the disorders […]

The way that Nigerians label and explain autism has direct effects on the daily lives of people affected by ASD. The specific social and cultural implications of raising a child with autism in Nigeria consequently leave parents grappling with damaging stigmas and shame. Children experience stigma in a way that is unique from their parents, because their experience is shaped by how their parents navigate the challenges presented by raising a child with ASD and obtaining resources for that child (Oshodi et al., 2019). One of the most significant stigmas that follow families with children with autism is that the disorder is proof of damage in a family’s bloodline. Ulofoshio (2018) reported the testimonies of Nigerian mothers who are parenting children with ASD, and those mothers echoed this anxiety of being unable to maintain the reputation of their ‘family line’. Cultural beliefs about the significance of family lines make this stigma even more damaging. For example, in the Igbo tradition, before a man is to marry a woman, he is to seek out the lineage of her family that must be approved by the family and God (Chukwuma et al., 2017). Evidence that there are family members with mental illness or disabilities would be a red flag in this process, which has led many families to attempt to protect their children with ASD and their family from scrutiny. This fear of autism damaging the whole family's reputation can be explained by the concept of courtesy stigma. Courtesy stigma can be described as the discrimination that extends to other family members and proximal loved ones (Oshodi et al., 2019). Fear of this stigma has been the root of deep feelings of shame and embarrassment within African families within the autism community. In a study of Ethiopian parents, 45.1% of parents reported feeling ashamed or embarrassed of their child’s disorder, and 24.6% felt the need to hide their child (Tilahun et al., 2016). Hiding children with disabilities is common within most African communities, which some believe to be a relic of colonialism and the anti-disability rhetoric that was enforced during the development of Nigeria as an independent nation (Obiajoret al., 2012).“ (Robertson, G. U., April 2021, S. 22 - 24)

„Do Nigerians believe treatment is necessary for ASD? Where do they go? Due to the rural landscape and underdeveloped social services of Nigeria and similar African nations, seeking help is a complicated venture for Nigerian parents. Most commonly, care for children with ASD is received from ‘faith-based organizations and mainstream schools'' (Adeniyi & Adeniyi, 2020). These resources can look very different depending on the region and the financial capacity of their occupants. The persistence of traditional African religions has led many parents to spiritual healers. (Chukewueloka, 2016).“ (Robertson, G. U., April 2021, S. 27)

The Guardian ist eine nigerianische Tageszeitung.

·      The Guardian, Why some kids behave badly, 28. Februar 2019
https://guardian.ng/features/why-some-kids-behave-badly/

„There is often great stigma associated with autism in Nigeria, and the negative characterizations associated kids with the condition must cease.“ (The Guardian, 28. Februar 2019)

Das UK Home Office ist das britische Innenministerium.

·      UK Home Office: Country Information Note Nigeria: Medical treatment and healthcare [Version 4.0], Dezember 2021
https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2067422/NGA_CIN_Medical_treatment_and_healthcare.pdf

„A MedCOI response from April 2020 stated:

‘There are pediatric psychiatrists, pediatric psychologists and pediatric neurologists in a few of the Teaching hospitals in Lagos, including the Federal Neuro -Psychiatric Centre 8 Harvey Road, Yaba , Lagos. Besides in general many adult psychiatrists treat also pediatric psychiatric cases. The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Centre (CAMHSC) of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba , Lagos and University College Hospital department of psychiatry have child psychiatrists and child psychologists.

‘Speech therapists are available ; however overall there are very few speech therapists in Nigeria […]

‘Pediatric day care and schooling are available in private establishments only.’“ (UK Home Office, Dezember 2021, S. 61)

„A MedCOI contact in a response from September 2020 gave the following information with regard NGOs or national programmes supporting children with development disorders:

‘…there are no national programmes specifically providing financial support to children with developmental disorders. However, some national tertiary health centres offer partial coverage, and usually any child can access such services in these centres. In addition, some state governments are able to offer partial coverage for children; for example, the Lagos state government offers partial health coverage to all children aged between 0-12 years, including those with development disorders…. Nevertheless, there are NGOs, as well as state governments supporting these children in terms of providing educational opportunities and specialized services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy and child psychologist services… For example, the Lagos state government has a department for disability affairs – Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) – which carries out different functions, including offering disability services, issuance of directives and guidelines for education, and promoting social development, special schools, vocational and rehabilitation centers.’ […]

The same report also stated according to a MedCOI contact:

‘… the Lagos state government also owns schools for disabled children and supports NGOs that offer these services… For example, the Lagos state government owns the Modupe Cole Memorial Child care and Treatment Home/School,… a school that started as a private NGO but has been acquired by the Lagos government, and currently provides special services free of charge….

‘[T]here are also private–public sector partnerships in Lagos such as the children development center Africa (CDCA) in Lagos. In this partnership, the Lagos state government supplied the building to CDCA while the facility itself is run by a private organisation. In this facility, services are not free but they are instead based on a sliding scale, which means that a poor family will pay less for services in comparison to a rich family…

‘There is another NGO in Lagos named Patrick Speech and Languages Centre that provides a range of services, including speech and language therapy, behaviour modification therapy, occupational therapy, and vocational training... Although there is a fee to be paid by the patient, this NGO offers partial scholarships for their services…

‘…across Nigeria there are other NGOs supporting children with developmental disorders mentioned below, and despite the fact that they require the payment of a fee by the patient, they can also waive part of their service fees...:

• ‘Royal School of Educational Therapy (RSE-T) Foundation (Abuja)…

• ‘Comprehensive Autism and related Disabilities Education and Training (C.A.D.E.T.) Academy (Abuja)…

• ‘Centre for Children with Special Needs (Abuja)…

• ‘Open Doors Special Education Centre (Jos, Plateau State)…

• ‘Anthos House (Lekki, Lagos)…

• ‘OTANA Integrated Centre (Port Harcourt)…

• ‘OLG Health Foundation and Autism Centre (Abuja)…

• ‘Start-Rite School Lagos (Ikeja, Lagos)…

• ‘Centre for Autism and Developmental Disabilities – CADD (Delta state)…

• ‘Hope House Initiative (Abuja)…

• ‘Benola (Lekki)…

• ‘Disability Empowerment Solution (Ibadan)…

• ‘Zammar Institute…’“ (UK Home Office, Dezember 2021, S. 62-63)

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