Legal framework for disabilities launched
Centre of this study is the ill-treatment of children with disabilities when it comes to accessing education.
Saturday 22 February 2025 | 10:27
From left: Fiji Human Rights Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Chantelle Khan, Commissioner Verna Singh, chairperson and proceeding Commissioner Pravesh Singh, Commissioner Alefina Vuki and Commission director Loukinikini Lewaravu at the Holiday Inn Suva on February 21, 2025. Photo: Jone Salusalu
The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission on Friday launched a baseline study to assess the rights and needs of children with disabilities across the country.
Centre of this study is the ill-treatment of children with disabilities when it comes to accessing education.
Commissioner Veena Singh said the 12-month research will focus on education, healthcare, and access to essential services, gathering data to inform future policies.
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“For any good decision to be made, it requires good data and information,” Ms Singh said.
“So important progress has also been made in recent years to improve data collection on children with disabilities, which can help inform policy and programmes.
The 2018 Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act reinforced these commitments, leading to the formation of the National Council of People with Disabilities.
Commission chairperson and proceeding Commissioner Pravesh Sharma outlined the commission’s broader role, which includes human rights education, advocacy and legislative review.
“We receive complaints. We investigate. We try and conciliate or mediate or refer to other agencies,” Mr Sharma said.
“We look at current legislation and proposed legislation to ensure their human rights principles are complied with.”
The study’s findings will act to guide future policy decisions, ensuring that children with disabilities in Fiji receive equal opportunities to education and essential services.
Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj
