The Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) is calling for stronger constitutional protections and greater political inclusion for persons with disabilities, submitting two key recommendations to the Constitution Review Committee (CRC) aimed at strengthening human rights and eliminating discrimination.
The Forum says the proposals seek to address gaps in the 2013 Constitution while aligning Fiji’s laws with its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The first recommendation calls for amendments to Section 42 of the Bill of Rights to explicitly protect persons with disabilities from abuse, neglect, exploitation, harmful treatment and all forms of violence.
PDF is also urging the State to introduce stronger legislative, policy, social and educational measures to prevent violence, improve accessible reporting mechanisms, strengthen independent monitoring and provide recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration services that uphold dignity, autonomy and safety.
Its second recommendation focuses on electoral rights, proposing amendments to Section 55 to remove the term “unsound mind”, which it says is discriminatory.
The Forum is calling for the Constitution to guarantee that all citizens aged 18 and over have the right to register, vote by secret ballot, stand for election, hold public office and participate fully in political and public life without discrimination based on disability, perceived capacity or supported decision-making status.
Pacific Disability Forum Chief Executive Officer Sainimili Tawake says the recommendations reflect “a clear and urgent need to strengthen Fiji’s Constitution so that it fully protects the dignity, safety, and rights of persons with disabilities.”
She says constitutional reform must provide meaningful protection from violence while ensuring full participation in Fiji’s democratic processes.
PDF says it remains committed to working with the Government, the Constitution Review Committee and other stakeholders through its member organisations to support constitutional reforms that are inclusive, practical and grounded in the lived experiences of persons with disabilities.
The Forum also acknowledged the Fiji Electoral Commission for supporting its recommendations, including the proposed removal of the term “unsound mind” from the 2013 Constitution.
PDF says its submissions are intended to help build a stronger Constitution that upholds human rights, promotes equality and enables persons with disabilities to participate fully and safely in all aspects of life in Fiji.
