REMOVING barriers which prevent children with disabilities from fully participating in society must be treated as a national development priority, says Social Welfare divisional principal officer Rohit Sharma.
Mr Sharma said Fiji’s development depended on building inclusive communities where everyone had an equal opportunity to participate.
“For children with disabilities, it means removing the barriers that continue to prevent their full participation in family, school and community life,” he said.
He said children with disabilities should have the same opportunities as every other child to learn, access healthcare, and grow up in a safe and supportive environment.
“This is not only a social responsibility; it is a national development priority.”
He made these comments while speaking at the launch of the baseline study for Rights of Children with Disabilities in Fiji at the Ramada Hotel in Labasa.
“When children are protected, included and empowered, families become stronger, communities become more resilient, and Fiji is better positioned to achieve sustainable development.”
He said the country’s commitment to protecting children’s rights was backed by the constitution and international human rights conventions the country had ratified.
“Together, these frameworks affirm that every child has the right to protection, education, healthcare, participation and equal opportunity without discrimination of any kind.”
He said children with disabilities, particularly girls with disabilities, often faced multiple forms of disadvantage and required deliberate and inclusive action.
“They may experience multiple forms of disadvantage and therefore require deliberate and inclusive action.”
He said removing barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for all children would strengthen families, communities, and the nation’s future.
