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Independent Evaluation of DRF/DRAF in Fiji

 “We are very fortunate in Fiji that we have managed to form this working relationship with organizations of persons with disabilities, and I am very thankful that we are taking a very collaborative role in realizing the rights of every individual in Fiji.”– Supervisor of Elections, Fiji

Election officers wearing purple and blue vests at voting booth in Fiji
Election officers in Fiji. Photo credit: FDPF

Spotlight 1: Inclusive Electoral Policies for Persons with Disabilities

During elections, persons with disabilities faced many challenges to exercise their voting rights, including physical barriers to access the polling venue. They were not allowed to have a support person to assist them cast their votes as presiding officers performed this task instead. Starting from the 2018 general elections, the disability movement in Fiji has worked with the Fijian Elections Office to create more inclusive electoral processes.

Spotlight 2: Disability-Inclusive COVID-19 Response

 Research by organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) revealed the impacts of COVID-19 on persons with disabilities, including their employment, health, education, and experiences with gender-based violence. However, government spending was inadequate and not inclusive. OPDs shared research findings and recommendations with state and civil society actors, resulting in a more disability-inclusive COVID-19 response. For example, advocating for interpreters and transcriptions for the deaf and hard of hearing