The United Blind Persons of Fiji (UBP) has reiterated the urgent need for meaningful consultation with stakeholders in the disability community, expressing significant concerns that the new banknotes unveiled by the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) in December 2025 do not meet accessibility standards, ultimately undermining the independence and dignity of individuals with visual impairments.
The UBP, which serves as the national representative body for blind and low-vision individuals, reports that its members across the country are facing challenges in independently identifying banknote denominations. This has made everyday financial activities not only difficult but in some cases, unsafe.
“Since the introduction of the new banknotes, our members have consistently reported difficulties in identifying denominations independently,” stated UBP. The absence of clear size differences between notes is a critical issue, as previous banknote series featured distinct size variations—a tactile adjustment made following consultations with UBP that greatly improved usability for blind and low-vision persons.
“The size distinction is no longer easily detectable with the new notes,” UBP lamented, thus complicating the ability of visually impaired individuals to differentiate between banknotes. Additionally, the organization expressed disappointment regarding the lack of comprehensive and inclusive consultation during the planning and execution phases of the new currency’s design, especially given its prior involvement in the Currency Committee.
While the new banknotes incorporate raised dot features aimed at aiding tactile identification, UBP has raised concerns that these features do not align with recognized Braille standards and are therefore ineffective. For instance, the $50 note has eight raised dots that do not correspond to any standardized Braille symbol, and the $100 note features dots arranged horizontally that also fail to represent Braille characters or denominations. Such design flaws not only increase reliance on assistance from others but also elevate the risk of financial errors and potential exploitation.
The UBP’s call to action for the Reserve Bank of Fiji involves acknowledging these issues, actively engaging in inclusive discussions with disability stakeholders, and implementing a thorough accessibility review of the current banknote series. They urge the adoption of internationally recognized best practices for tactile and visual accessibility in future currency designs.
“Accessible currency is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right,” UBP emphasized, underlining that easy access to money is crucial for economic independence, personal security, and dignity. The organization highlighted Fiji’s obligations under the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2018, the National Disability Policy 2024–2033, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, stressing that these commitments should be reflected in the nation’s currency design.
This renewed advocacy from UBP serves as a reminder of the importance of involving disability communities in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and rights.
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