Study finds weak implementation continues to affect children with disabilities

Study finds weak implementation continues to affect children with disabilities
Children with disabilities in Fiji continue to face barriers because laws and policies designed to protect their rights are not being properly implemented, according to a new national baseline study, Rights of Children with Disabilities in Fiji, which was recently launched.The study found that while Fiji has made progress in developing laws and policies to support children with disabilities, many families are still not experiencing the intended benefits because implementation remains weak.

One young person quoted in the report summed up the challenge, saying, "We can write all the policies. It can be beautiful and all. The implementation is the issue that I've seen."

The report also highlights positive steps, including efforts by some organisations to give children with disabilities opportunities to take on leadership roles, speak up on issues affecting them, and improve the collection of disability data.

Despite those efforts, the study found that several major challenges remain, as there is not enough funding to implement policies effectively, responsibilities are often unclear, and many Government agencies and organisations still lack awareness of the needs and rights of children with disabilities.

The report also found that information on children with disabilities is often incomplete and not shared effectively between agencies, making it more difficult to identify gaps in services and provide the support families need.

It says children with disabilities and their families are often not consulted on decisions that affect them, while communication barriers continue to prevent many children from having their voices heard.

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