19 January, 2026, 1:20 am Central - 24°C Clouds

USAID Director emphasises equal participation for people with disabilities in national policy consultation

USAID Director emphasises equal participation for people with disabilities in national policy consultation

By Iliana Biutu
07/02/2024

USAID Director emphasises equal participation for people with disabilities in national policy consultation Equal participation for people with disabilities in society will enable equal access to services, infrastructure and also public transportation.

This was highlighted by the USAID Mission Director, Zema Semunegus during the consultation for the draft National Policy on Persons with Disabilities at the Grand Pacific Hotel today.

Semunegus says every society should uphold the principles of human rights and treat every person with dignity and respect.

She says their voices and their collective efforts will help shape the national policy landscape for the next decade.

She adds there should be no barriers that anyone faces and exercising these basic rights, such as political participation and economic empowerment, equitable education and job opportunities and also making sure everyone is included in disaster preparedness and response efforts.

Meanwhile, Land Transport Authority representative, Marika Turagabeci says all buses need to prioritise the first two seats for people with disabilities.

Turagabeci says it not only refers to them but also to pregnant women.

He also says for taxi is a 20 per cent discount on the actual fare.

He has clarified that the discount rate shall only be valid for the journey up to 20 kilometres and disabilities concession cards are sufficient proof for the individuals to access the 20 per cent discount on taxi fares.

He adds bus disabilities red concession card has no fare charged on that but they need to carry their ID with them when travelling on the bus.

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