The Fijian Government has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to enhancing the rights, inclusion, and wellbeing of individuals with disabilities through the enforcement of the Fiji National Policy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, emphasized that the policy is structured around 13 priority areas, such as accessibility, health, education, employment, social protection, and disaster resilience, all designed to promote equal opportunities and independence for persons with disabilities.
Kiran highlighted a significant increase in funding for the disability sector, which has nearly doubled from FJ$21.8 million in the 2020/2021 financial year to FJ$40.7 million in the upcoming 2024/2025 budget. This funding supports more than 13,000 Fijians currently receiving monthly disability allowances. The Minister noted ongoing collaborations with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and various ministries including Health, Education, Housing, and Infrastructure. These partnerships aim to improve accessibility and promote inclusive infrastructure, while also enhancing data collection via the Disability Data Hub.
Kiran stated, “Our policies, partnerships, and investments reflect one shared vision to build a Fiji where every person, regardless of ability, can live with dignity and fully participate in society.” Importantly, the development of a Monitoring, Evaluation, Review, and Learning (MERL) Framework will further bolster accountability and ensure that Fiji’s disability inclusion efforts lead to impactful improvements within communities.
These developments reflect a broader commitment by the government to advance the rights and welfare of individuals with disabilities, resonating with ongoing initiatives to address existing barriers within the community. The strategy not only aims to enhance individual lives but to foster an inclusive environment where every citizen can engage fully in social and economic realms, emphasizing the shared responsibility of society in this pursuit. This positive trajectory signals hope for a future in Fiji characterized by equality and accessibility for all.