Policy to promote equality, inclusion
IN a significant development aimed at promoting equality and inclusion, the Suva Consultation for the Draft National Policy on Persons with Disabilities 2024 – 2033 was launched yesterday, marking the beginning of discussions on a new policy designed to better support individuals with disabilities.
The National Council for Persons with Disabilities together with the Human Rights and Social Development Division, Pacific Community (SPC) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) held the consultation in the presence of stakeholders to discuss policies on the rights of those living with disabilities.
This policy is still being drafted and is based on a review of the national policy on persons living with disabilities 2008-2018 that took place in Lautoka last year.
National Council for Persons with Disabilities director, Lemeki Cagialau said this revised policy took into account the preconditions for equity and inclusions for persons with disabilities such as their accessibility to assistive devices, technology and social protection.
“The policy is to bring every one together, the stakeholders in the sector, so they can work towards the support of persons with disability,” Mr Cagialau said.
“We want to have this policy in place to have better support for people living with disabilities when it comes to legislation, education, sports, and accessible housing.”
He also highlighted people with disabilities were more likely to live in lower-wealth households and educational opportunities were limited and challenging for them.
“The stigma and discrimination against people with disabilities create a barrier to full participation in many aspects of daily life.”