The Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation (FDPF) is calling on Government to ensure all new evacuation centres and public buildings meet accessibility standards, warning that inaccessible infrastructure could place vulnerable groups at greater risk during disasters.
In a statement issued yesterday, the organisation expressed concern over the continued construction of evacuation centres and public facilities that do not adequately cater for persons with disabilities and others with mobility challenges.
FDPF said evacuation centres play a critical role in protecting communities during cyclones, floods and other climate-related emergencies, but many facilities remain inaccessible.
“For persons with disabilities, older persons, people with temporary injuries, pregnant women, and others with mobility or access needs, inaccessible infrastructure can become a barrier to safety and survival during emergencies,” the federation said.
The organisation stressed that accessibility should be integrated into projects from the beginning rather than added later.
“Accessibility should not be treated as an optional feature or added as an afterthought. It must be embedded from the earliest stages of planning, design, and construction,” said Jay Nasilasila, Program Coordinator for Inclusive Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction at the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation.
The federation noted that Fiji has obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), including ensuring accessibility and protecting persons with disabilities during emergencies and humanitarian situations.
It said these commitments require government agencies, engineers, planners, architects and contractors to ensure public infrastructure is accessible to everyone.
FDPF warned that inaccessible evacuation centres undermine disaster preparedness efforts and raise significant human rights concerns.
“The construction of inaccessible evacuation centres not only undermines disaster preparedness efforts but also represents a significant human rights concern,” the statement said.
The federation is urging Government to fast-track the endorsement of National Building Codes and ensure all future evacuation centres and public buildings comply with accessibility requirements.
It has also called for accessibility audits of existing facilities, greater consultation with persons with disabilities and their representative organisations, and increased funding to ensure accessibility measures are included during construction rather than retrofitted later.
Nasilasila said accessibility was fundamental to ensuring the safety and dignity of all citizens.
“Disasters do not discriminate, but systems can. Every new evacuation centre and public building must be designed for everyone. Safety, protection, dignity, and accessibility are rights that belong to all Fijians.”
FDPF said accessible infrastructure is essential for inclusive development, disaster resilience and ensuring that no one is left behind when emergencies strike.
