The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has begun a nationwide baseline study to assess how well the rights of children with disabilities are protected and promoted in Fiji.
Commission director Loukinikini Lewaravu said the study wil run for a year depending on how well they progress with gathering data and information to build the baseline study.
The 18-month study aims to provide a clear picture of current achievements, ongoing challenges, and opportunities for better inclusion.
A final public report is expected in early 2026, with preliminary findings due in December this year.
The initiative forms part of the commission’s strategic plan 2022-2027 and focuses on supporting vulnerable groups.
It also reflects Fiji’s commitments under international conventions, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
While Fiji has made progress in disability rights, the commission notes that there is still limited evidence on the situation of children with disabilities.
The study is expected to fill this gap and guide stronger protections. The research will identify barriers that prevent children with disabilities from fully enjoying their rights, as well as examples of successful inclusion efforts.
“Since the project was launched in February this year, we have been doing a variety of different activities to gather the data and information,” Ms Lewaravu said.
“We started off with our stakeholder consultations. We met with government ministries, and some agencies that are doing specific work on children with disabilities.”
As part of the next stage, Ms Lewaravu said, the commission has also urged the public to make submissions through blata@hradc.org.fj
“The submission is in any mode or method. It can either be written, it can be in audio, you can even draw a picture. Its findings will lead to recommendations for government agencies, non-government organisations, service providers, faith-based groups, communities, and the commission itself.
“The study also aims to increase public awareness and create a framework to track future improvements.”
