STATEMENT BY MINISTER FOR WOMEN, CHILDREN AND SOCIAL PROTECTION FOR INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is commemorated annually on December 3rd. The theme for this year’s observance is "Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.”
 
Today, Fiji joins the global community in observing the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, an occasion to reflect on our collective progress and recommit to building a more inclusive society.
The 2024 observance theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” underscores the vital contributions of persons with disabilities in shaping a society where everyone is valued and empowered. It recognises the important role that persons with disabilities play in creating a more inclusive and sustainable world for all. It also emphasises the importance of the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes that affect their lives.   
 
Around 15 percent of the world’s population, or an estimated 1 billion people, live with disabilities. Recent data from the 2023 Fiji Disability Monograph, based on the 2017 Population and Housing Census, reveals that 14.3% of our population live with some form of disability. This highlights the importance of sustained efforts to address barriers and create an inclusive environment for all. 
 
The 2024 IDPD theme amplifies the importance of persons with disabilities as rights holders of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) to be included in dialogue, especially at decision-level forums.
This calls for:

Promoting the leadership of persons with disabilities in all areas of life.
Ensuring the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society. 
Increasing the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes. 
Raising awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities.
Celebrating the achievements of persons with disabilities. 

Fiji is fortunate to have a legacy of remarkable individuals whose contributions have paved the way for current disability service providers. Visionary leaders such as Frank Hilton, Mr. and Mrs. Harland, Joshkho Wakaniyasi, Filipe Veresoni, Setareki Macanawai, Dr. Sitiveni Yanuyanutawa, Angeline, and Rakesh Chand, among others, have left an enduring impact.
 
Today, the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection, in collaboration with Fiji’s Organizations for Persons with Disabilities, continues to champion the rights and address the concerns of individuals living with disabilities. As CRPD rights holders, we celebrate the milestone decision made in 2017 to unite as a community of disability advocates under the banner of the Disability Sector. This platform fosters open dialogue between the Government and organisations for persons with disabilities, strengthening our collective voice and action.
It is after this that Fiji can celebrate with you on our achievements, which includes:

The successful lobbying to have a Disability Emergency Centre based at Brown Street to ensure the needs of persons with disabilities are met during disasters;
The successful lobbying to have a storage space at Brown Street, which was recently opened on 30th November 2024;
The successful launch of the OPD data hub based at Brown Street;
The successful lobbying to ensure that all public spaces be accessible; and
The successful lobbying to have specific disability budgets in the national budget.
The successful co-authoring of the 4 specific disability programs with the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection dating back to 2017.
The 40th anniversary of the existence of the Fiji Disable Peoples Federation.

As we commemorate this day, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a Fiji where persons with disabilities are celebrated as leaders, innovators, and change-makers. May we continue to build partnerships, share resources, and implement strategies that empower all members of our society to contribute meaningfully.
To the families, partners, friends, and even children of people living with special needs who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes—the Ministry and the Disability Sector is indeed thankful for all your continued support.
 
To all persons with disabilities in Fiji, your courage and perseverance inspire us. Your contributions enrich our communities, and your leadership is essential in shaping the Fiji we aspire to achieve. On this day, we wish you and your families a Happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities and a very Merry Christmas filled with joy and blessings.
 
May God bless you all abundantly, and God bless Fiji.