CHILDREN with disabilities in Fiji continue to face barriers in accessing education, healthcare, and other essential services, says Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission commissioner Alefina Vuki.
Ms Vuki said this was evident in their recent national baseline study on the rights of children with disabilities in Fiji.
“Fiji is at a critical moment in its commitment to ensuring that all children with disabilities enjoy their human rights on an equal basis with others,” she said.
She said the study showed there were ongoing challenges faced by children with disabilities in Fiji.
“The report shows that children with disabilities in Fiji continue to face barriers in accessing education, healthcare and other essential services because of factors.
“This is due to physical inaccessibility, stigma and discrimination, enforcement gaps, underinvestment, and the limited availability of disability-inclusive programmes and services.”
She said these barriers continued to affect the ability of children with disabilities to fully participate in family, school and community life.
“The study also shows that children with disabilities can experience multiple and overlapping forms of discrimination based on their gender, the nature of their disability, sexual identity and family income.
She said no child should ever be denied their fundamental rights because of a disability.”
