The National Council of Older Persons will be re-established to address the issue of inclusion, protection, health and an enabling environment for older persons.
Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Sashi Kiran highlighted this during the Budget Debate in Parliament on Monday.
“According to the Fiji population census in 2017, more than 10 per cent of Fijians were aged 60 years or more, so more than 90,000 people,” Ms Kiran said.
“Many of them face issues such as poor physical access, health, disability, abuse and neglect. They need an advocacy and policy platform.
“In 2012, the National Council of Older Persons Act was approved and in 2013 the council was appointed. However, no resources were allocated to help with the functioning of the council.
“We are currently working on recruiting the relevant personnel to help in establishing the council to perform the roles and responsibilities already determined.”
Ms Kiran said they were also establishing district committees for elderly persons.
“These committees will create an inclusive platform and also champion the needs of older persons within the communities.
“This year, the ministry carried out four divisional consultations as well as a national general assembly for older persons.
“The discussions were centred on inclusion, protection, health and an enabling environment for older persons.”
