The United Blind Persons of Fiji (UBP) has renewed calls for meaningful consultation with disability stakeholders, raising serious concerns that the new banknotes introduced by the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) in December 2025 fall short of accessibility standards and undermine the independence and dignity of persons with visual impairment.
As the national body representing blind and low-vision persons, UBP says its members nationwide are struggling to independently identify banknote denominations, making routine financial transactions difficult and, at times, unsafe.
“Since the introduction of the new banknotes, our members have consistently reported difficulties in identifying denominations independently,” UBP said.
“This directly affects their ability to manage daily financial transactions with confidence, safety, and dignity.”
A key issue highlighted is the removal of clear size differentiation between denominations.
Earlier banknote series included a two-inch size difference—a tactile feature introduced following consultation with UBP—which significantly improved independent use by blind and low-vision people.
“With the newly launched banknotes, this size distinction is no longer easily detectable,” UBP noted.
“As a result, it has become extremely difficult for persons with visual impairment to tell denominations apart.”
UBP also expressed disappointment over what it described as the absence of genuine and inclusive consultation during the design and development of the new currency, particularly given its past representation on the Currency Committee.
“This is especially concerning considering the successful consultation process that led to improved accessibility features in earlier banknote series,” the organisation said, adding that the current situation highlights the consequences of sidelining disability voices in decision-making.
While the new notes include raised dot features intended to assist tactile identification, UBP says these do not conform to recognised Braille standards and are therefore ineffective.
“For example, the $50 banknote contains eight raised dots, which do not correspond to any recognised Braille symbol,” UBP explained.
“Similarly, the $100 banknote features raised dots arranged horizontally, which do not represent any Braille character or denomination. Rather than assisting, these features create confusion and uncertainty.”
UBP warned that the design flaws increase dependence on others, raise the risk of financial error or exploitation, and limit the full and equal participation of persons with visual impairment in economic life.
The organisation has called on the Reserve Bank of Fiji to acknowledge these concerns, engage in inclusive and meaningful consultation with disability stakeholders, undertake a comprehensive accessibility review of the current banknote series, and adopt internationally recognised best practices for tactile and visual currency accessibility in future designs.
“Accessible currency is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right,” UBP stressed.
“Access to money is essential for economic independence, personal security, and dignity.”
UBP also pointed to Fiji’s obligations under the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2018, the National Disability Policy 2024–2033, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, saying these commitments must be reflected in the design of the nation’s currency.
