Fiji Constitution
The Constitution protects fundamental rights and supports equality and protection from unfair discrimination.
Equality • Dignity • Inclusion
Understanding Disability Rights
Persons with disabilities have the same human rights and fundamental freedoms as everyone else. Together, we can remove barriers and create an inclusive Fiji where everyone can participate.
Explore Your RightsDisability Rights Are Human Rights
Disability rights promote dignity, equality, independence, accessibility and full participation in society. A disability may be physical, sensory, intellectual, psychosocial, neurological or developmental. Some disabilities are visible, while others are not.
Disability can arise when a person with an impairment encounters barriers that prevent their full and equal participation in society. Disability inclusion requires us to identify and remove those barriers.
Disability Rights in Fiji
In Fiji, disability rights are supported by national legislation, constitutional protections and international human-rights commitments.
RPDA 2018
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2018 protects, promotes and upholds the rights of persons with disabilities in Fiji.
United Nations CRPD
The Convention promotes dignity, autonomy, non-discrimination, accessibility, participation and equal opportunity.
Key Disability Rights
Persons with disabilities are rights holders. Their rights must be respected, protected and fulfilled on an equal basis with others.
Equality and Non-Discrimination
No person should be excluded, restricted or treated unfairly because of disability.
Accessibility
People have the right to reasonable access to buildings, public spaces, transport, information, communication and digital services.
Reasonable Accommodation
Appropriate changes should be made so that persons with disabilities can participate equally.
Inclusive Education
Children and adults with disabilities have the right to accessible education, appropriate support and equal learning opportunities.
Health
Healthcare should be accessible, appropriate and respectful of dignity, privacy, informed consent and individual choice.
Work and Employment
Persons with disabilities have the right to fair recruitment, accessible workplaces and equal employment opportunities.
Access to Justice
Police, courts, legal information and justice processes should be accessible and provide appropriate support.
Safety and Protection
Every person has the right to freedom from exploitation, neglect, violence and abuse.
Independent Living
Persons with disabilities have the right to make choices, participate in their communities and live with dignity.
Examples of Reasonable Accommodation
- Providing a wheelchair-accessible venue.
- Arranging a sign-language interpreter.
- Providing Braille, audio, large-print or Easy Read material.
- Allowing a personal assistant or support person.
- Adjusting working hours or workplace arrangements.
- Providing accessible equipment or software.
- Allowing additional time during interviews or examinations.
- Using the person’s preferred communication method.
Respectful Communication
Always communicate directly with the person with a disability, even when a personal assistant, interpreter or family member is present. Respect the person’s choices, privacy and independence.
- Ask before providing assistance.
- Listen to the person and respect their decisions.
- Do not make assumptions about a person’s abilities.
- Use respectful, person-centred language.
- Do not touch mobility aids without permission.
- Provide information in accessible formats.
“Nothing About Us Without Us”
Persons with disabilities must be meaningfully involved in all decisions that affect their lives.
Everyone Has a Role
Disability inclusion is a shared responsibility. Government, organisations, businesses and communities must work together to remove barriers and support equal participation.
- Challenge discrimination and negative stereotypes.
- Make buildings, services and information accessible.
- Provide reasonable accommodation.
- Respect dignity, privacy and independence.
- Consult persons with disabilities and their organisations.
- Promote equal participation and opportunity.
