06/11/2025
FIJI STRENGTHENS COMMITMENT TO DISABILITY INCLUSION
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Hon. Sashi Kiran has reaffirmed Government’s strong commitment to advancing the rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities through the Fiji National Policy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The Minister said the policy outlines 13 priority areas — including accessibility, health, education, employment, social protection, and disaster resilience — aimed at ensuring that all Fijians with disabilities can live with dignity, independence, and equal opportunity.
Hon. Kiran highlighted that Government’s investment in this sector has grown significantly, from FJ $21.8 million in 2020/2021 to FJ $40.7 million in 2024/2025, with more than 13,000 individuals currently receiving monthly disability allowances.
She noted that the Ministry, together with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), continues to work closely with key partners — including the Ministries of Health, Education, Housing, and Infrastructure — to strengthen accessibility, develop inclusive infrastructure, and improve data-driven planning through the Disability Data Hub.
“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,” said Minister Kiran.
She added that the development of a Monitoring, Evaluation, Review and Learning (MERL) Framework will further strengthen accountability and ensure that Fiji’s disability inclusion goals translate into meaningful progress for communities across the country.