Fiji has officially launched its revised National Policy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which aims to safeguard the rights of over 113,000 individuals in the country facing functional challenges. Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, highlighted that this policy is a critical measure in fulfilling Fiji’s commitments under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which the country ratified in 2017.
The newly established policy insists on the importance of individuals with disabilities being active contributors to decisions that directly affect their lives. “Nothing for us, without us,” Kiran noted, emphasizing an inclusive approach in Fiji’s strategy moving forward. It is a significant shift that seeks to ensure that these individuals are not merely passive recipients of support but, instead, are empowered to claim their rights and engage fully as members of society.
Kiran articulated that the policy serves as a comprehensive guide for government entities and stakeholders working to improve the lives of persons with disabilities through a human rights-based framework. The Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation (FDPF) will play a major role by guiding over 60% of the policy’s 13 strategic areas, a decision stemming from extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including those living with disabilities, service providers, government agencies, and community organizations.
The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to make schools more accessible and improve social protection for individuals with disabilities. Minister Kiran also stressed the necessity of centralized data to monitor progress and ensure that programs effectively serve the most vulnerable populations. This includes increased investment in social protection schemes, including the involvement of disability representatives in Ministry committees and the establishment of five dedicated budget lines focusing on disability.
This policy represents a pivotal step toward fostering inclusion, equity, and human rights for all Fijians, reflecting a collective commitment to building a society where every citizen can partake fully in community life. By prioritizing the participation and rights of persons with disabilities, Fiji is embracing a hopeful future where everyone, regardless of their challenges, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.