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FHRADC has the constitutional mandate to safeguard and promote respect for human rights

03/11/2026

🟠 DON’T JUST SPEAK FOR US. LISTEN TO US!

Who listens when a child with a disability wants to be heard?

The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission’s ( ) Baseline Study on the Rights of Children with Disabilities in reveals a concerning reality: children with disabilities are often left out of decisions that directly affect their lives.

During consultations, one stakeholder raised an important question:

“How do we hear their voices?”

The Study found that people sometimes assume children with disabilities cannot express themselves, particularly those who do not communicate verbally. As a result, adults may speak on their behalf without giving them the opportunity or support to share their own views.

But the Study also highlights encouraging examples of children with disabilities becoming advocates, developing leadership skills and helping to educate their communities.

💬 The lesson is clear: We must change how we see, hear and involve children with disabilities.

Every child has something to contribute. Communication may look different, but every voice matters.

📢 Let’s move beyond speaking for children with disabilities. Let’s create opportunities for them to speak for themselves!

📖 Source: FHRADC, Baseline Study into the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Children with Disabilities in Fiji (2026), pages 52–54, Section 4.4: Children’s Participation and the Right to be Heard.

🔗 Full Report:
https://www.fhradc.org.fj/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Baseline-Study-into-Protection-of-Disabled-Fijian-Children_16_WEB.pdf

Australian High Commission, Fiji
UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji
Fiji Government
Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection - Fiji

03/11/2026

In News
Fiji could be gearing up for a historic political moment, with the General Election and a national referendum potentially taking place side by side, according to the Prime Minister.

03/11/2026

Human rights at the heart of public service.

Ministry of Civil Service
Fiji Government
UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji
UN Human Rights Pacific

02/11/2026

📢 FROM DIALOGUE TO ACTION: STRENGTHENING HUMAN RIGHTS IN FIJI

Human rights must be at the heart of every government policy, decision and public service.

The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission ( ) has released a Communiqué outlining 21 key recommendations from its two-day Human Rights Capacity-Building Workshop for Public Sector Duty Bearers, held on 28–29 October 2026 in Lami, with support from .

Adopted by consensus, the Communiqué calls for stronger accountability, human rights focal points within government institutions, rights-based policy reviews, targeted training and greater collaboration in addressing Fiji’s pressing human rights challenges.

These include gender-based violence, HIV, drug-related concerns, discrimination, climate vulnerabilities and access to justice.

The way forward includes quarterly follow-up engagements to turn commitments into meaningful action.

The message is clear: Human rights must move beyond discussions and become part of everyday public service delivery.

📄 Read the full Communiqué here:
https://www.fhradc.org.fj/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Human-Rights-Roundtable-Communique-2026-FINAL.pdf

UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji
UN Human Rights Pacific
Ministry of Civil Service

Office of the Attorney-General

02/11/2026

🔴 WHEN A CHILD IS LABELLED “LAZY” OR “SLOW”, ARE WE FAILING TO UNDERSTAND THEIR DISABILITY?

A child struggling to learn or behaving differently is not necessarily being difficult. Yet, negative perceptions and a lack of understanding can lead to children with disabilities being judged, criticised or excluded.

📢 The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission’s on with in reveals how children with intellectual and learning disabilities are sometimes misunderstood by their communities and schools.

During consultations in the Western Division, a community member highlighted how children are labelled “lazy, slow, or stubborn” instead of receiving the understanding and support they need.

The message is clear: We must change how we see disability before we can change how we treat children with disabilities.

Every child deserves understanding, dignity, inclusion and an opportunity to reach their full potential.

💬 Let’s challenge the labels. Let’s change attitudes.

📖 Reference: Baseline Study into the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Children with Disabilities in Fiji, page 76, Section 6.2.3 – Awareness and education needed at the grassroots level.

🔗 Full Report:
https://www.fhradc.org.fj/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Baseline-Study-into-Protection-of-Disabled-Fijian-Children_16_WEB.pdf

Australian High Commission, Fiji
UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji
Fiji Government

02/11/2026

More Time for Constitutional Review – A Welcome Development

The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has consistently called for adequate time and meaningful public consultations on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026.

The extension of the Special Committee’s reporting deadline is an important development. However, more time must also translate into meaningful opportunities for all Fijians, particularly those in rural and maritime communities and vulnerable groups, to have their voices heard.

Constitutional reform must not be rushed. Every voice matters.

📌 Watch the Commission’s earlier remarks:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FH4tAVU7Y/?mibextid=wwXIfr

31/10/2026

💧 DID YOU KNOW?

When the rain stops, human rights are at risk!

Niño isn’t just about hot days and less rainfall. It can threaten access to safe drinking water, food, healthcare and livelihoods.

For many communities in Fiji, particularly those in rural and maritime areas, prolonged dry conditions can mean more than water shortages. They can affect health, wellbeing and everyday survival.

⚖️ Section 36 of Fiji’s Constitution recognises the right to adequate food and water.

As Fiji faces the risk of prolonged dry conditions, early preparedness and equitable access to essential services are critical.

💧 Water is a human right. No community should be left behind.

Fiji Government

31/10/2026

🟠 NO CHILD SHOULD BE HIDDEN BECAUSE OF DISABILITY.

Imagine growing up feeling that you do not belong, not because of your disability, but because of how others see you.

The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission’s ( ) on with in reveals that stigma, fear and embarrassment can sometimes lead families to keep children with disabilities away from community life.

📢 The study also found that cultural beliefs and misconceptions can discourage families from seeking appropriate healthcare and support for their children.

💚 Disability is never a reason for shame. Every child deserves acceptance, dignity and the opportunity to participate fully in family and community life.

🤝 Changing attitudes begins at home.

📖 Reference: Baseline Study into the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Children with Disabilities in Fiji, pages 65–66, Section 5.3.5: Stigma in families and its impacts.

🔗 Read the full report:
https://www.fhradc.org.fj/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Baseline-Study-into-Protection-of-Disabled-Fijian-Children_16_WEB.pdf

The study was supported by the Australian Government through the Fiji–Australia Vuvale Partnership and UNDP through the UN Peacebuilding Fund.

Australian High Commission, Fiji
UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji
Fiji Government

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