Equality and Non-Discrimination
You have the right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law.
- Equal treatment
- Equal opportunities
- Protection from discrimination
- Reasonable accommodation
Know Your Rights
Explore Your Rights
Knowing your rights can help you recognise discrimination, ask for reasonable accommodation and participate equally in your community.
View Your RightsYou Are a Rights Holder
Persons with disabilities are entitled to the same human rights, freedoms and opportunities as everyone else. These rights apply regardless of a person’s impairment, age, gender, location, ethnicity, religion, economic situation or support needs.
Having a disability should never be used as a reason to exclude someone from education, employment, healthcare, public services, transport, community activities or decision-making.
Your Rights
Fiji’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2018 recognises and protects a wide range of rights for persons with disabilities.
Accessibility
You have the right to reasonable access to places, services, transport and information.
- Accessible buildings
- Accessible public transport
- Accessible information
- Sign language and Braille
Education
You have the right to education without discrimination and on an equal basis with others.
- Inclusive learning
- Accessible materials
- Individual support
- Reasonable accommodation
Health
You have the right to accessible and appropriate healthcare of the same quality provided to others.
- Respect and dignity
- Privacy
- Informed consent
- Accessible health information
Work and Employment
You have the right to work and earn a living in an open, inclusive and accessible workplace.
- Fair recruitment
- Accessible workplaces
- Equal pay and conditions
- Reasonable accommodation
Access to Justice
You have the right to equal recognition before the law and effective access to justice.
- Accessible legal information
- Communication support
- Fair treatment
- Protection of legal capacity
Safety and Protection
You have the right to be protected from violence, exploitation, neglect and abuse.
- Personal safety
- Confidential reporting
- Protection and support
- Respectful complaint handling
Family and Personal Life
You have the right to privacy, family life and personal relationships on an equal basis with others.
- Privacy
- Marriage and family
- Personal relationships
- Respect for individual choices
Public Participation
You have the right to participate in political, public, cultural, sporting and community life.
- Voting
- Public consultation
- Community participation
- Recreation and sport
What Do These Rights Look Like in Practice?
Rights become meaningful when barriers are removed and people receive the support they need to participate.
At Work
An employee may request an accessible workstation, flexible working arrangements, assistive technology or permission to use a personal assistant.
At School
A student may request accessible learning materials, additional time, communication support or reasonable changes to classroom activities.
At a Public Office
A person may request an accessible entrance, clear information, assistance with a form or information in a preferred format.
At a Health Facility
A patient should receive accessible information, privacy, respectful treatment and the opportunity to provide informed consent.
During an Emergency
Emergency warnings, evacuation procedures, shelters and humanitarian assistance should be accessible to persons with different disabilities.
Requesting Reasonable Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation refers to necessary and appropriate changes that help a person with a disability exercise their rights and participate equally.
The accommodation required will depend on the person, the environment and the barrier being experienced. The person with a disability should be consulted when identifying a suitable solution.
You can explain:
- The barrier you are experiencing.
- How the barrier affects your participation.
- The adjustment or support you require.
- When the accommodation is needed.
- Any alternative solution that may also work.
What Can You Do If Your Rights Are Not Respected?
If you experience discrimination, exclusion or denial of reasonable accommodation, you can take steps to raise the issue and seek support.
Record What Happened
Write down the date, place, people involved and what was said or done. Keep relevant emails, letters, photographs or documents.
Explain the Barrier
Tell the organisation what barrier you experienced, how it affected you and what change or accommodation you need.
Use the Complaint Process
Ask the organisation about its complaint procedure and submit your concern in writing where possible.
Ask for Support
You may ask a trusted person, representative organisation, advocate or support person to assist you.
Contact the Appropriate Authority
If the issue is not resolved, seek guidance from NCPD or another appropriate complaints, legal or human-rights authority.
Information to Include in a Complaint
Providing clear information can help the responsible organisation understand and respond to your concern.
- Your name and preferred contact method.
- A clear description of what happened.
- The date and location of the incident.
- The organisation or people involved.
- The barrier or discrimination you experienced.
- Any evidence or supporting documents available.
- The action or solution you are requesting.
- Your preferred accessible communication format.
Knowing your rights is an important step towards equality, independence and full participation.
Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
Learn More About Disability Rights
Explore Fiji’s disability-rights legislation and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
