World News from Fiji

"A society where everyone, regardless of background or disability, feels welcome, included and supported"

Australia donates $22,000 to disabilities project

17.12.08

The Australian government has donated $22,000 in support for a research project vital for understanding issues involving women with disabilities.

Australian High Commission to Fiji, James Batley said this would be a valuable contribution towards the protection of human rights for women with disability.

Mr Batley said Australia shared the commitment to ensuring men and women benefit equally from development.

The year 2008 marks 60 years since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

He said Australian Government has also, for the first time, determined to make people with disability a priority for Australias aid program.

The Australian High Commission in Fiji thanked the Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons and the Fiji Disabled Peoples Association assisting in putting the new strategy together.

Mr Batley announced that the project launched had a theme of Making Women with Disabilities Visible.

"Its a good title because it reminds us why this research is so important. It will make information visible that was previously invisible," he said.

"It will bring facts to the attention of decision-makers in government and to the attention of the general public. It will strengthen the hand of groups such as your own, who are fighting for the rights of people with disabilities."

Source www.fijitimes.com