Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
20 March, 2026, 2:58 pm
Central - 29°C Rain
20 March, 2026, 2:58 pm Central - 29°C Rain

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.

\

FEATURE NEWS
PM knew Rokoika's appointment was unlawful - Malimali
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka knew that Lavi Rokoika's appointment based on his recommendation was illegal as he had indicated that amendments will b...
40 seconds ago
LATEST NEWS
PM knew Rokoika's appointment was unlawful - Malimali
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka knew that Lavi Rokoika's appointment based on his recommendation was illegal as he had indicated that amendments will ...
40 seconds ago

Fiji to host COP31 Pre-COP meeting in October
Fiji will host the COP31 Pre-COP meeting from October 5th to 8th this year, marking a significant step in preparations for next year’s ...
2 hours ago

Reflect on truth and justice this Ram Naumi - Professor Prasad
As we celebrate Ram Naumi, we are reminded of the values of Lord Rama including truth, duty, justice, and the courage to stand against injustice. ...
3 hours ago

High Court refuses State's mistrial application in Health Tender case
The Suva High Court has refused the State's application for a mistrial in the Health Tender trial of former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, former ...
3 hours ago

Gulf conflict raises economic concerns for Fiji and Pacific Nations
The ongoing conflict in the Gulf region is creating growing global economic uncertainty, with concerns emerging over its potential impact on Fiji and ...
6 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji Sports Council Saga: Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
14 days ago

National Talanoa Session on Illicit Drugs in Fiji: 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025
The illicit drug situation in Fiji has been described as a national emergency, with 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025. Minister for Policing ...
21 days ago

Charlie Charters held at Nadi Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file
Fijian national, Charlie Charters is being held at immigration at Nadi International Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file.fijivillage News has ...
21 days ago

TOP