The Fijian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the rights, inclusion, and well-being of persons with disabilities. This is being done through the implementation of the Fiji National Policy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which addresses essential areas such as accessibility, health, education, employment, social protection, and disaster resilience.
Sashi Kiran, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, emphasized that the policy encompasses 13 priority areas designed to secure equal opportunities and independence for individuals with disabilities. Kiran noted a significant increase in government funding for the disability sector, which has nearly doubled from FJ$21.8 million in the budget for 2020/2021 to FJ$40.7 million in the financial year 2024/2025.
Currently, more than 13,000 Fijians receive monthly disability allowances due to this initiative. The Ministry collaborates closely with various stakeholders, including the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and other government ministries such as Health, Education, Housing, and Infrastructure. The focus is on improving accessibility, promoting inclusive infrastructure, and enhancing data collection through the Disability Data Hub.
Kiran expressed the government’s dedication to building a Fiji where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can live with dignity and actively engage in society. The development of a Monitoring, Evaluation, Review and Learning (MERL) Framework is also underway to ensure accountability and demonstrate that Fiji’s efforts toward disability inclusion translate into meaningful community-wide improvements.
This initiative aligns with Fiji’s broader goals to ensure that the needs of over 120,000 individuals living with disabilities are acknowledged and addressed. By reinforcing the collaborative approach among policymakers, community organizations, and individuals with disabilities, the country is taking significant strides towards a more inclusive and equitable society. There is optimism that sustained efforts will lead to a future where every Fijian can participate fully in public life, contributing to the nation’s collective progress.
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