“United In Action to Rescue and Achieve the SDGs for, with and by Persons with Disabilities”.
Sunday, 3 December, 2023: Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), we gather to celebrate the incredible strength, resilience, and unique abilities of individuals who have faced life with courage and determination addressing the many barriers that hinder their access and equal participation in decision making platforms. Today, we are recognising the immense power within each person, irrespective of their abilities – and our differences that make us diverse.
The theme for the IDPD in 2023 is “United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities”. Given the multiple crises of today’s world, the achievement of the SDGs is in calamity, and unfortunately, the world’s poorest and most vulnerable are often the hardest hit in times of crisis.
As indicated by the United Nations, around 15 percent of the world’s population, or estimated 1 billion people, live with disabilities. Fiji is one of the Pacific Island countries that has taken a lead in addressing disability-related issues and realising the rights of persons with disabilities prior to the United Nations conventions.
Fiji ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 07 June 2017, and the Convention promotes, protects and ensures the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities and promotes respect for their inherent dignity.
The convention promotes:
- Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one’s own choices, and independence of persons;
- Non-discrimination;
- Full and effective participation and inclusion in society;
- Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity Equality of opportunity;
- Accessibility;
- Equality between men and women and;
- Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities.
Fiji joins the global community today to raise awareness and advocate for the meaningful participation and inclusion of persons living with disabilities in all aspects of their lives. We must therefore break down the barriers that hinder inclusivity and equality, and collectively ensure equity through all social protection programs of Government and the removal of discriminatory practices, regardless of their abilities, to have equal access to quality education, employment and economic empowerment opportunities.
Fiji is indebted to all our disability advocates, the late Dr. Sitiveni Yanuyanutawa, Mr. Frank Hilton and Mr. Joshco Wakaniyasi – disability champions whose valuable contributions have made a difference in the lives of countless disabled persons in Fiji. Today, let’s shed light on their accomplishments and celebrate the triumphs over adversity, the milestones achieved, and the lessons learned on this incredible journey.
We recognise the advocacy work provided by organizations such as the Pacific Disability Forum, Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation, United Blind Persons Association, Fiji Association of the Deaf and Spinal Injury Association who have worked tirelessly over the years to support our citizens with special needs.
We also acknowledge the technical assistance of Fiji’s disability service providers – Frank Hilton Organisation, Fiji Society for the Blind, Spinal Injuries Association who with the support of relevant Government Agencies and Development partners have ensured that lifelong support is provided for children living with disabilities.
We as a Ministry have not shied away from taking on responsibility for advocacy in this regard. In one of the most important negotiations that Fiji is part of, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) with 14 other members that make up 40 percent of the world’s GDP, Fiji together with other members included a chapter in the Agreement on Inclusivity (in Trade).
In a recent workshop run by the Ministry of Women, it was reported that Fiji’s trade negotiators do not take cognizance of disadvantaged groups. I am here to happily report that this is simply inaccurate.
The inclusivity chapter under IPEF is the first of its kind in an international trade agreement. It protects and promotes not only the rights of persons living with disabilities but also other disadvantaged groups such as women, children, indigenous peoples, rural communities and MSMEs.
Disability inclusion is an essential condition for upholding human rights, sustainable development, and peace and security.
In this Financial Year, the Government has allocated specific disability budget lines that sits across six ministries with an allocation that is estimated at $36.4 million. The highest budget allocation being for the Disability Allowance Scheme which this year has been allocated $16.3 million. This is an illustration of the political will towards ensuring the multiple barriers faced by persons with disabilities hindering their equal and effective enjoyment of all their human rights are removed.
Government’s partnership with Organisations for Persons with Disabilities, Disability Service Providers and Development Partners, will strengthen Fiji’s commitment in meeting Article 4 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The Fiji Government has provided a budget of $36.4 Million which is spread across relevant Ministries. In addition the Coalition Government has increased this year’s budgetary allocation for the Disability Allowance Scheme managed by the Department of Social Protection to $16.3 million – the highest ever since the inception of this scheme. All these Disability specific budget lines are to ensure that our persons living with disabilities are able to live a life of dignity with equal access to services as other ordinary citizens.
As we celebrate today, we must remember families and friends – the caregivers, who have been supporting persons with disabilities in their homes and communities, as their efforts must not go unnoticed – and we thank them for continuing the tremendous work that they have firmly established.
Thank you, and Happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities.