The Coalition on Human Rights Fiji is calling on the government to produce a national budget that is focused on the needs of the people, highlighting pressing issues affecting communities across the nation. Coalition Chair Shamima Ali has underscored the importance of addressing urgent concerns such as widespread poverty, deteriorating water and healthcare systems, escalating drug use, rising rates of HIV, and the ongoing impacts of climate change.
Ali pointed out the alarming rates of violence against women and girls, noting the tragic statistic that over 52 women have lost their lives to intimate partner violence in the past decade. She urged the government to reaffirm its commitment made in 2023 to combat this prevalent issue by allocating specific funding in the upcoming budget.
In addition to violence prevention, Ali emphasized the crucial need for affordable housing and essential services for women and other vulnerable groups. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad, assured the public that the government would carefully evaluate and prioritize assistance to those in greatest need. He highlighted that fulfilling fundamental requirements in health, education, water, and roads is critical for improving the citizens’ quality of life.
This perspective echoes earlier sentiments from the NGO Coalition, which had pressed for a people-centered budget that addresses the real challenges faced by ordinary Fijians. Concerns have also been raised about the government’s focus on economic growth at the expense of pressing social issues, which affects many who live below the poverty line.
As Fiji approaches the announcement of its 2025-2026 budget, there is a collective hope that the government will integrate feedback from public consultations to create a financial plan that genuinely serves the population’s interests. This could represent a turning point towards a more inclusive and responsive governance model in Fiji, with the potential to improve living conditions for all citizens. Such participatory budget planning could foster a sense of community empowerment and pave the way for meaningful reform in addressing both social and economic issues.
Amidst these challenges, the ongoing dialogues within civil society reflect a hopeful outlook for community engagement and accountability in governance. By addressing the urgent needs and priorities of its citizens, Fiji may advance towards a more compassionate and equitable future.
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