The NGO Coalition on Human Rights states that the government should develop innovative ways to cut spending and save money in the 2025/2026 National Budget, and they strongly believe curtailing travel by Ministers and civil servants is a good place to start.
The Coalition strongly urges the Government to deliver a National Budget that is people-centered and meets the urgency of issues impacting our nation such as poverty, violence against women and girls, crumbling water and health infrastructure, drug use, high rates of HIV cases, poor education outcomes, climate change and unfair wages for workers.
They strongly believe that based on the current national conversation, the Government and our leaders are drifting from prioritizing real issues and would like to share some key issues and concerns ahead of the announcement of the National Budget.
The NGO Coalition urges the Government to make strong and effective financial commitments for the full implementation of Fiji's National Action Plan for the Prevention of All Forms of Violence Against Women and Girls.
They are looking forward to seeing budget allocations dedicated to implementing the National Action Plan across key ministries.
The NGOs say the Government's Gender Responsive Planning and Budgeting Manual needs to lead to concrete outcomes for women and girls as Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad made commitments to this at the launch of the Fiji National Action Plan in 2023 and they hope those commitments will continue to lead to action.
They are also calling for safe Alternative Housing for Women escaping violence.
The NGOs say many women are forced to return to abusive homes due to a lack of adequate housing options, accessible shelters, and long-term support systems.
While NGOs provide temporary shelters, these are not a permanent solution.
The NGO Coalition is also concerned about poor education outcomes for young people and supports the current review of the Education Act.
They believe the Government must review its current Free Education Grant formula and increase it to current financial and economic conditions faced by schools.
They believe that adequate funding for education is essential for ensuring access to quality education for all Fijians including women and girls in all their diversity.
The NGOs say education is a basic human right and children should be adequately funded to attend school and not rely on fundraising which puts another burden on parents who are already struggling.
They also support calls made for the introduction of Comprehensive Sexuality Education in schools.
They also call for a Gender and Human Rights component in the education curriculum.
The NGO Coalition says there is also an urgent need to pay our teachers well to cope with increasing costs of living and ensure dignity in the workplace. We must ensure workers' rights are not
The NGOCHR also recommends budget allocations to upgrade healthcare facilities throughout Fiji including in rural, remote areas, and maritime areas to ensure they are equipped with essential medical equipment, supplies, and qualified staff.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad will deliver the 2025/2026 National Budget at 10am next Friday.
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