FDPF NEWSLETTER 2022

Person with Disabilities

all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life. This year the FDPF staff joined branches and the National Council for Persons

Staff and members at the IDPWD Celebration in Brown Street Suva on December 2,

with Disabilities around the country in observing this day, reinforcing the importance of securing the rights of people with disabilities, so they can participate fully, equally and effectively in society with others, and face no barriers in all aspects of their lives.

As communities celebrated the International Day for Persons with Disabilities Disability, one message that came out strongly from invited guests was that inclusion is vital for all persons with disabilities.

Communities must ensure that all human rights are upheld, and sustainable development, peace and security was vital for all as we try to align it with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Developmentto leave noone behind.

Thus the commitment to realizing the rights of persons with disabilities is not only a matter of justice; but is an investment to a common future. The interconnected crises facing humanity today, including the COVID-19 pandem-

Rewa, Tailevu South and Naitasiri Branches came together to remember

Ms. Shamima Ali about to cut the remembrance cake for Rewa, Tailevu South and Naitasiri Branches at Burebasaga Community Hall, Rewa

ic, the wars in other countries, and climate change, all pose humanitarian challenges of an unprecedented nature, as well as threats to the global economy. Most often, in moments of crisis, people in vulnerable situations such as persons with disabilities are the most excluded and left behind. In line with the central promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to “leave no one behind”, it is crucial for governments, public and private sectors to collaboratively find innovative solutions for and with persons with disabilities to make the world a more accessible and equitable place.

The cornerstone of this cooperation must be the active participation of persons with disabilities in their full diversity, and their full inclusion in all decision-making processes.

The FDPF Presidents Welcome Address

‘”

Nothing about us without Us!”

“Another year comes to an end soon, and I would like to acknowledge our donors and partners for all that they have contributed for 2022.”

“I also would like to acknowledge the FDPF staff for being able to hold the fort in 2022 despite the challenges faced and the time given to ensure that everything is done well and to perfection.”

“I applaud the OPDs and the branches for all their achievements and hope that they rest well during the Christmas and New Year season and com back more vocal, optimistic and vibrant in the new year.”

“United we shall rise and ensure inclusion for all in our country.”

Ms. Lanieta Tuimabu has replaced Mr. Peni Rawaidranu after he left to stand for elections.

FDPF Office Manager Welcome Address

"Since 2019 until now 2022, FDPF has blossomed to a whole new level"

‘Thank you for all your contributions and support.'

Am happy to release the first newsletter from the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation and hope it will be a reminder of the efforts, the pain, the joy and the constraints in ensuring the voices of all persons with disabilities are heard.

Ms. Savaira Tinai, Office Manager of the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation in her contribution during the launching of the newsletter acknowledged the Board, the Staff, OPDs, Branches and members for their hard work in creating changes within their organization or communities.

'As we look forward to the next 5 years, we still have alot to address to create innovative ways in moving forward and let us continue to stand up for all persons with disabilities and ensure government makes all its policies and legislation disability inclusive.'

Ms. Savaira Tinai , Office Manager, Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation

Human Rights Training for Fiji Police Force in Rotuma

All Police Officers in Rotuma, alongside representative from the Government of Fiji have just completed a human rights training as part of a wider initiative under the Fiji Police Force to deliver timely and relevant training to the furthest parts of Fiji to ensure no one is left behind when it comes to justice and enhancing service delivery of all aspects of human right.

Participants of the human rights training learn of the safeguards in place for upholding rights of persons with disabilities by the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation.

Protecting the rights of vulnerable groups with Policing - and respecting the rights of persons with disabilities is critical.

The interactive training was facilitated under the Fiji Police Force Support Project by UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji through the New Zealand High Commission, Suva, Fiji & the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the Pacific. This training has been organized in partnership with Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Legal Aid Commission Fiji, Medical Services Pacific, Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation and the Council of Rotuma.

Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation Ms. Savaira Tinai leading the awareness session on the rights of persons with disabilities in the community

Police Officer in Rotuma, Government representatives during a group photo after the first day of their Training.

Coalition Connections: Elevating Women's Leadership amid Crisis August 3, 2022

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It always starts with grassroots communities, and we need to have an intersectional approach in every engagement opportunity,” said, Jay Nasilasila, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Officer at the Fiji Disabled People’s Federation (FDPF).

24 representatives of Shifting the Power Coalition partners from Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, PNG/ Bougainville, Australia, and Fiji are meeting for the first time in person since November 2019 for an annual reflection, learning and planning meeting.

37% of participants are young women and 17% of participants are women with disabilities.

Looking back at crisis events that catalyzed the formation of the Coalition - TC Pam in 2015 and TC Winston in 2016, partners today shared their personal and organizational journeys which has seen the development and roll out of training programmes in six countries, cross coalition learning on women-led innovation in multi-hazard early warning systems, the roll out of close to AUD283,200 in rapid response grants and the publication of evidence based information uplifting women’s leadership and recommendations in the midst of multiple crises.

Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Officer for the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation, Jay. Nasilasila at the Tanoa Meeting.

Taimalelagi Ramona Tugaga, President of the Samoa YWCA said the investment and support to women and young women’s leadership to document the impact of the measles epidemic in 2019 prepared them for the COVID-19 response and also showed the information women are capable of bringing to the table to inform response and recovery measures:

Participants from across the Pacific take down important notes during the Tanoa meeting

“Our governments are now including young women’s voices in negotiations in the [COVID] response at the country level.”

The Bougainville Women's Federation joined the Nazareth Centre for Rehabilitation in 2020 through the development of Meri Gat Pawa, Meri Gat Infomesen

to reach close to 2million people with protection and disability messages via SMS and outreach:

“We have mobilized through civil society organizations, and we’ve done information sharing on COVID -19 and it was risky for us to bring women and young women and women with disability…but we have to go where they are,” shared Barbara Tanne, President of the Bougainville Women’s Federation.

In Vanuatu, says Flora Vano the national hub of the innovative Woman Wetem Weta system is not only showing how information needs to reach women in their communities but also providing women with their own channel of communication to reach government officials. Established in 2019, today Women Wetem Weta is recognized within the national disaster management communications system:

“We influence messages that go to the community, and we see how women will receive the messages and we talk about the impact we make at the community level. At that level, it allows women to drive their own key messages and they tell us, ‘If we have flooding, if we have cyclones, this is what we want to receive.’”

The meeting is an opportunity for the partners to adopt a new 3-year work plan drawing on recommendations of the Coalition’s 2021 Impact Assessment and an internal partners survey.

Nelly Caleb from Vanuatu Santo DPA and Telesia Kobiti put their thoughts on the board on what were a few achievements in 2015

SPC partner organizations are: Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation, Transcend Oceania, Bougainville Women's Federation, Nazareth Centre for Rehabilitation, Samoa YWCA, Talitha Project, Tonga, ActionAid Vanuatu, Vanuatu Young Women For Change, VDPA Vanuatu -Vanuatu Disability Promotion & Advocacy Association, ActionAid Australia, Pacific Disability Forum, YWCA's of PNG and Solomon Islands.

The Coalition’s Regional Hub is based in Suva, Fiji and the Secretariat support is provided by Australia Government.

Nelly Caleb from Vanuatu and Angeline Chand from Fiji at the meeting in Nadi.

The Community-Based Sexual and Reproductive Health Officers Pilot Planning workshop

Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) officers with disabilities partnered with divisional officers within the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and other key actors to co-facilitate outreach efforts aimed at discussing SRHR with the general community, addressing stigma around SRHR and SRH services, including contraception; and disseminating information about SRH services available in the community and how to access these services.

SRH officers collaborated in the design and implementation of strategic actions to ensure women and young people with disabilities are meaningfully included in these outreach efforts.

Along with divisional officers, SRH officers organized strategic actions – including small community-based meetings and one-on-one engagements (i.e., home visits)– targeting women and young people with disabilities whose needs and demands were not met by mainstream outreach efforts.

Whereas one-on-one engagements will be a necessary to reach out to women and young people with disabilities experiencing heightened barriers to leave their houses or to address individual needs and concerns related to SRHR, small community-based meetings was identified as a great opportunity for SRH officers, divisional officers and other key partners to deliver more comprehensive education sessions on SRHR (or on specific issues impacting SRHR for women and young people with disabilities).

During such outreach efforts, women and young people with disabilities will be able to ask SRH officers to provide them – or help them access– additional support to access SRH services. SRH officers may also encounter women and young people with disabilities who may require more technical counselling about their SRH or access to specific SRH services. In these situations, SRH officers would make referrals and connect women and young people with disabilities to other actors in the community who may be able to provide the specific support or services that they need.

SRH Representatives from OPDs in discussion during their pilot to workshop

The main partners involved in the planning workshop were the Ministry of Health & Medical Services - Fiji (MHMS), Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation (FDPF), Medical Services Pacific (MSP), Reproductive & Family Health Association of Fiji - RFHAF, Pacific Disability Forum (PDF), Women Enabled International and UNFPA Pacific

The Community-Based Sexual and Reproductive Health Officers Pilot Planning workshop was held at the National Council for Disabled Persons Complex Hall from the 21 - 22 of July 2022.

Medical Officers and SRH Officers in discussions on how to work together effectively in their community awareness

FDPF Appoints New Board 2022

Ms. Lanieta Tuimabu has been nominated as the new FDPF President after Mr. Peniasi Rawaidranu stepped down to stand for elections.

The Board were nominated this year where Mr. Rawaidranu was nominated as President, thanks to all the OPDs and Branches.

Members were happy with FDPF for the election process and the AGM logistics.

Here is the new FDPF Board: FDPF President - Lanieta Tuimabu

The Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation would like to also acknowledge the funding support of the Woman Fund Fiji.

UNCRPD Disability Inclusion Training

A two-day training on UN CRPD was facilitated by Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation, Disability Rights Fund Project, who provided ample opportunities for participants to actively engage and share experience on various aspects aligning the CRPD with other human rights and policies.

The two-day interactive discussion highlighted that Persons with disabilities need to be consulted on relevant issues that concerns them directly, whether on education, health, rehabilitation, or community living. Providing reasonable accommodation may be necessary to enable some persons with disabilities to communicate their needs and choices and voicing out their opinions.

This is the first UNCRPD training conducted by the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation to engage National Council of Persons with Disabilities and to FVTTC Staffs teachers and it was important to understand the roles of the States Parties/Government as stipulated in the Convention

A few things that came out loudly was the demarcation of roles and responsibility by each OPD’s and NCPD was well identified by participants and are encouraged to align their scope of work tothe UNCRPD. This is to ensure procedures and processes are needed to make it clear where the responsibility lies for coordination, decision-making, regular monitoring and reporting, and control of resources.

Also the strengthening partnership with National Council of Persons with relevant Government Focal Point and stakeholders for improving the well

Ms. Savaira Tinai DRF Project Co-ordinator referring to charts group presentation reflection on disability updates for Fiji for the past 7years

Ms Kajal a representative from the National Council of Persons with Disabilities and Salote of Viti Spinal during a group discussion.

persons with disabilities and should cover both mainstream policy and programme areas and specific services for persons with disabilities.

Barriers to participation of persons with disabilities need to be identified and removed, and making changes to laws, policies, institutions, and environments through advocacy and lobbying.

Improving human resource - Capacity-Human resource capacity can be improved through effective education, training, and recruitment. Relevant training on disability, which incorporates human rights principles, should be integrated into current programmes. In-service training should be provided to staffs providing and managing services.

There were a total of 37 participants, of whom 15 participants identified were new to the training on UNCRPD.

The FDPF would like to acknowledged the Disability Rights Fund & Disability Rights Advocacy Fund for its continuous funding support aiming to support the advancement of the CRPD at the national levels through lobbying and implementation, also making sure that developments programs, policies and plans are inclusive of persons with disabilities using the CRPD as a guideline.

The training was on the 9 - 10 August, 2022 at the FVTTC Hall, NCDP Complex, 3 Brown Street, Suva

Training Facilitators, Ms. Savaira Tinai & Ms. Senimilia Seru assisting the group during a discussion on understanding progressive realization: From L-R: Ilisabeta of Counterstroke, Amari of FVTCC, Kajal of NCPD, Salote of Viti Spinal, Peniasi of FDPF and Semiti of United Blind Persons of Fiji

Inclusion Fiji participant Mr. Serupepeli Volavola participating during a group discussion with the CDPD Staff

L-R: Tepola Rasari, Karishma, Kajol and Seru

“Bringing together a diversity of stakeholders and gathering their valuable feedback will undeniably help the Fiji Meteorological Service improve flood early warning in Fiji.”

The Permanent Secretary for Infrastructure and Meteorological Service, Mr. Taitusi Vakadravuyaca in his opening address at the Fiji National Flood Early Warning Stakeholder Workshop at the Holiday Inn, said that the workshop held was another important step in their project.

The Fiji Meteorological Service has been working with the Pacific Community since February of this year to determine the technical support that may be beneficial to improving and strengthening Flash Flood Early Warning Systems in Fiji. This has been made possible through the Hydrology Support for Flash Flood Early Warning Systems project, in collaboration with the Pacific Community (SPC) and funding support by the Australian Water Partnership (AWP).

Mr. Vakadravuyaca added that it was the hope of the Fiji Meteorological Service that the stakeholder engagement would be an essential mechanism that will promote a shared understanding of the value of flood early warnings as well as foster a shared understanding of different stakeholder’s requirements of flood early warning in Fiji.

Furthermore, outputs of the project will include the improvement of flash flood early warning systems in a pilot catchment in Fiji, to demonstrate an approach for the strategic development of an upscaled programme of support for building surface water hydrological capacity and systems to address flash flooding and other hydrological needs in the Pacific.

The Fiji National Flood Early Warning Stakeholder Workshop was held at the Holiday Inn Hotel from the 10th – 11th of August, 2021 in Suva, Fiji

The Fiji National Flood Early Warning Stakeholder Workshop in Suva, Fiji

The Permanent Secretary for Infrastructure and Meteorological Service, Mr. Taitusi Vakadravuyaca

Participants for the Fiji National Flood Early Warning Stakeholders Workshop at the Holiday Inn Foreshore.

Booklet for visually impaired persons

The Fijian Elections Office (FEO), in ensuring the general election is accessible for everyone, have prepared and placed an A4-sized voter instruction booklet (VIB) for visually impaired persons at every polling station.

This was one of the outcomes of a meeting held between the Supervisor of Elections and the Elections Disability Access Working Group (EDAWG).

In a statement, FEO said the VIB contained fonts of larger size to enable those visually impaired to exercise their right to vote in an informed manner.

The Elections Disability Access Working Group (EDAWG) and the Supervisor of Election in one of their meetings

Voter Instruction Booklet in Braille

“Secondly, the FEO has provided the Fiji Society for the Blind a list of all the candidates in the election and their numbers so that they can prepare this in braille for all of their members,” the statement read.

“

The FEO will also be conducting a Community Elections Advocate Training of Trainers with members of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities so that they can conduct community level awareness with their own members in preparing them for the election.”

Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem said they were trying to ensure that, as far as practicable, the FEO, in collaboration with EDAWG, prepared a general election accessible by all members of the public.

“

And in turn boosts the confidence in elections with people from all parts of society,” he said.

The Fiji National Election was held on the 14 of December 2022 and most persons with disabilities found the booklet and braille version very easy to follow.

Voter Instruction Booklet in easy to Read English version

Voter Instruction Booklet in easy to read Fijian version

Voter Instruction Booklet in easy to read Hindi version

Branch Updates

FDPF Branches have continued to grow in strength and have began to work in partnership with stakeholders to strengthen their networks.

In the community, branches are still having challenges trying to reach out to all their members, and even trying to bring them all in one location for a meeting is another . Due to the vast geographical locations that they are in.

Barriers to participation for persons with disabilities is still evident and the need to raise awareness within communities to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities are respected, active participation and access to vital services is still a problem.

In the national level, there is still the need to identify and making changes to laws, policies, institutions, and environments to which will trickle down to the grassroot level.

Members are looking forward to working with the new Government of the Day to ensure that this is made mandatory to all laws and policies within the country. This year, FDPF have managed to revive 5 branches; Buca, Tailevu South, Labasa, Ra, and Vuya.

Ra FDPF Branch

Ra Branch since the formation of its new committee has been active in working closely with its Provincial council, the Social Welfare Department, Health Department, Education Department and the Rakiraki Town Council in ensuring that the plights of persons with disabilities in Ra are taken into consideration.

Recently they have been able to re-activate their frozen bank account and were part of an economic empowerment workshop facilitated by the Pacific Disability Forum in Rakiraki where 9 member from the Ra Branch were part of the training.

Vuya FDPF Branch

Vuya Branch since its formation have been meeting monthly and doing house to house visitation of its members as it tries to collate all data from members within its branches. The committee continue to empowering members and help support village development projects in order to raise awareness on nothing about us, without us!

Buca Bay FDFP Branch

Buca Bay ‘’Always Nice’’ have kept members occupied with things that they can do using their hands. With monthly visitation to their elderly members, to visitation to other villages, the women group have also began to teach women still in their youths on baking, weaving and cooking.

Tailevu South FDPF Branch

Still at its prime, the committee are trying to plan out ways that will enable them to visit all 69 villages by 2023.

Since the formation of its new committee, there have been plans to visit all villages within the Tailevu South boundary by November 2023.

They would like to collate and visit all persons with disabilities and are seeking the support and assistance of

Tavua FDPF Branch

Tavua Branch has continued to strive, working strongly with its partners and members by ensuring that all members are well looked after and their rights respected and looked after from all stakeholders and partners within Tavua. They have out reached as far as Vatukoula and up Nadarivatu in search for members and raising awareness.

Rewa FDPF Branch

Rewa Branch is a class of its own, always coming up with creative ways to keep members busy and active in the community. From gardening to flower arrangement to pillow cases, earrings, necklaces, woven bags and baby mats, members are always eager to learn and participate in activities that bring about self empowerment as well as economic empowerment.

Nadi FDPF Branch

Nadi Branch continues to rise as they slowly gather members around Nadi area. With a office now at the DO office, the branch committee now have a location where they can work from and serve their members needs and wants efficiently. Plans are underway to tap on partners to enable to the committee to reach out to communities in the greater Nadi area.

Rabi FDPF Branch

Rabi branch have continued to raise awareness on the plights of persons with disabilities in each villages. A lot of persons with disabilities are still being dis-

all Turaga ni Koro and health workers within this 69 villages to gather data of members on the grounds.

criminated and hidden within families m and normally are left behind in times of natural disasters. Cyclones and flooding still pose a big risk for persons with disabilities and the need to have accessible evacuation halls or centers Is warranted

Rabi committee members are recently in touch with Kioa Island on raising awareness and trying to get everyone together on how they can from a committee on its own.

FDPF Branch

These 5 Branch are working hard to create networks and partners and reaching out to its members.. Due to the vast geographic location of each branch, reaching every villages, settlements and communities within these branches is indeed an issue of its own. Hopefully , the new year will bring about new changes to enable th branches to venture out of their comfort zone to ensure that no one is left behind for persons with disabilities.

Condolences

The Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation would like declare its sincerest condolences for all members, families, work mates, friends and colleges that we have lost in 2022. You have my deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love.

May their souls rest in peace!

Ba, Naitasiri, Sigatoka, Tailevu North and Taveuni