Focus on vulnerable, social protection systems
OLDER persons with disabilities are far more marginalised because of a lack of access to services including affordable health services, social protection and support services, says Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Rosy Akbar.
While officiating at the first consultation workshop for older persons with disabilities in Fiji this week, she said older persons with disabilities were also the most vulnerable to societal disasters.
“Older persons are most vulnerable to disasters and when proper structures are not in place, they are further marginalised and become victims of violence and abuse,” she said.
Ms Akbar said the Government currently provided $100 per month for beneficiaries and as many as 46,000 older persons benefited from the scheme.
“In 2018, Government established the disability assistance scheme, which entails a monthly allowance of $90 per month. Currently, a total of 10,069 persons with disabilities are assisted under the scheme.”
Ms Akbar added a total of 48,000 older persons and disabled persons were active clients of the $25 bus fare monthly top up.
She said the workshop was the first-ever activity organised by Pacific Disability Fiji to target older persons with disabilities.
“This consultation workshop will pave the way for policymakers in Fiji and the region to recognise the vast discrimination faced by older persons with disabilities and respond effectively through policy reforms, budgetary allocation, awarenessraising and capacity building of both persons with disabilities and key stakeholders.”
The workshop was aimed to enhance human rights issues and to identify needs and support services to promote a safe, accessible, and sustainable environment for older persons with disabilities in their own families and communities.