A new Guidebook on Employment for Persons with Disabilities in Fiji has been launched to help create more employment opportunities and support employers in recruiting, retaining and supporting employees with disabilities.
The Guidebook was developed with the support of the Australian Government, in partnership with the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation and the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran says employment is a fundamental human right and every person deserves the opportunity to work, earn an income and contribute to Fiji's development.
Kiran says while Fiji has made progress in advancing disability rights, many persons with disabilities still face barriers to education, skills training and employment.
She says the Guidebook is more than just a publication and encouraged employers to use it as a practical resource within their Human Resources policies and daily operations to help create accessible and inclusive workplaces.
The Minister also highlighted the growing demand for skilled workers in industries such as textile, clothing and footwear and encouraged persons with disabilities to take up technical and vocational training opportunities.
Kiran says the Guidebook supports Fiji's Constitution, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2018, the Fiji National Policy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2025–2035 and Fiji's commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
She stressed that building an inclusive society requires strong partnerships between Government, employers, organisations of persons with disabilities, workers' organisations, development partners and communities.
Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh also welcomed the launch, saying employment provides dignity, independence and the opportunity for every Fijian to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Singh says inclusive employment is not only a social responsibility but also an economic necessity, adding that Fiji cannot afford to overlook the skills, talents and potential of persons with disabilities.
He says inclusive workplaces are stronger, more innovative and more productive.
Singh says the guidebook provides practical guidance for employers on accessible recruitment, reasonable accommodation, workplace accessibility and inclusive human resources practices, helping turn policy commitments into practical action.
He encouraged employers, managers and human resources practitioners to actively use the guidebook to strengthen workplace inclusion and remove barriers for persons with disabilities.
