UN Human Rights Pacific

CRPD at 20: The Committee’s journey, current challenges and future directions

This year marks 20 years of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) — a landmark human rights treaty that has transformed how disability is understood and advanced the rights, dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities worldwide.

As we mark this important milestone, we reflect on the progress made over the past two decades, the challenges that remain, and the priorities needed to ensure that the rights enshrined in the Convention become a lived reality for all persons with disabilities.

Join the discussion on the Committee’s journey, current challenges and future directions.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.ohchr.org/en/events/events/2026/crpd-20-committees-journey-current-challenges-and-future-directions

CRPD at 20: The Committee's Journey, Current Challenges and Future Directions The adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2006 marked a fundamental transformation in international human rights law. It affirmed that persons with disabilities are rights holders entitled to the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms...

Good to hear from the 🇸🇧 Government about its ambitious agenda for - and -focused development reforms.

UN Human Rights Pacific looks forward to engaging with the Government, development partners and civil society on priorities such as the establishment of an independent , which was also a commitment made by 🇸🇧 at the United Nations Human Rights Council's :
https://lnkd.in/gKCHYuME

At the recent Expert Group Meeting on Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10) in Suva, Fiji, UN Human Rights Pacific highlighted the vital importance of a human rights-based approach to climate mobility in the Pacific region ahead of COP31.

Through our work with the Pacific Climate Change Migration and Human Security (PCCMHS) programme, OHCHR advocated for the integration of the human rights principles to guarantee a just climate transition where no one is left behind:

Participation: Ensuring people affected by climate mobility have a structured, active voice in policy development, bringing together civil society, communities, and governments.

Accountability: Strengthening the capacity of duty-bearers to connect climate responses with human rights responsibilities.

Non-discrimination and Equality: Intentionally including women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups in regional governance and policy frameworks.

Empowerment: Equipping individuals and local institutions with the tools and knowledge needed to claim their rights and make informed choices.

Legality: Anchoring all regional and national climate mobility responses in international human rights laws and standards.

OHCHR continues to develop specialized knowledge products on human rights, NHRIs and labour mobility to support people-centered programming and strengthen inclusive climate resilience across Pacific Small Island Developing States.



PC: United Nations ESCAP Pacific Office

OHCHR contributes a human rights lens to Fiji’s Online Safety legislation review

UN Human Rights Pacific has contributed to Fiji’s ongoing review of the Online Safety Act 2018, providing oral and written submissions to the Fiji Law Reform Commission ahead of the 18 August validation workshop and development of the proposed Online Safety Bill 2026. OHCHR’s inputs emphasized the importance of a human rights-based and evidence-based approach to addressing online harms, including safeguards for freedom of expression, privacy and due process, alongside effective protection of people who may be particularly exposed to online harm. This includes children, journalists and human rights defenders, persons with disabilities, and persons of diverse s*xual orientation, gender identity and expression, and s*x characteristics.

UN Human Rights Pacific also encouraged meaningful and inclusive consultation with rights-holders and a structured assessment of the compatibility of proposed measures with international human rights standards.

As Fiji moves towards a new online safety framework, the objective should be clear: address online harms effectively while protecting the rights and fundamental freedoms of everyone in Fiji.

Last week, UN Human Rights Pacific and the UN in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu & Vanuatu convened a workshop in Suva to strengthen disability inclusion in the development of the Pacific Common Analysis (PCA), the next United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2028-2032, and Fiji's Country Implementation Plan (CIP) for 2026-2027.

The workshop brought together representatives from Fiji's Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), including the Fiji Disabled People's Federation, United Blind Persons, Fiji Association of the Deaf, Fiji Mobility Alliance, Psychiatric Survivors Association, Disability Pride Hub, and the Pacific Disability Forum.

Through open dialogue and consultation, guided by the principle of "Nothing About Us Without Us," participants shared their experiences, priorities, and recommendations.

Discussions focused on the barriers, opportunities, and actions needed to advance the rights of persons with disabilities across key development priorities.

Participants' contributions will directly inform the Pacific Common Analysis, the evidence base that shapes the next cycle of UN sustainable development cooperation planning and programming in Fiji and across the Pacific.

The workshop reaffirmed a shared commitment to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the promise to leave no one behind.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Global Disability Fund, DFAT, the Fiji Disabled People's Federation, the MCO Fiji Resident Coordinator's Office, ILO Pacific, UNESCO Pacific, and all participants whose partnership made this important dialogue possible.



(GDF)
Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, UN in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu & Vanuatu International Labour Organization, UNESCO Pacific Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation, Pacific Disability Forum, Fiji Mobility Alliance, United Blind Persons of Fiji, Fiji Association of the Deaf, Disability Pride Hub

Congratulations to the Human Rights Commission Fiji on the launch of the Baseline Study on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Children with Disabilities in Fiji.

This important study provides a vital foundation for strengthening the protection, inclusion, and advancement of the rights of children with disabilities across Fiji. It represents a significant step towards identifying gaps, informing policy and programming, and ensuring that every child can fully enjoy their rights and opportunities.

UN Human Rights Pacific Pacific Regional Representative Alefsen, was honoured to be invited to deliver opening remarks at the launch, reaffirming a shared commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the principle that every child with disabilities has a right to participate fully and equally in society. She emphasized the need to combat stigma and discrimination and suggested that action for children with disabilities should be supported by all state institutions and all of society.

We commend the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission and all partners involved in this important achievement and look forward to continued collaboration to advance the rights and wellbeing of children with disabilities in Fiji.
The study was supported by the joint social cohesion programme of UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji UN Human Rights Pacific UN Women Pacific funded by the Peacebuilding Fund.
The report is available here: https://www.fhradc.org.fj/baseline-study-on-rights-of-children-with-disabilities-summary-report/
Human Rights Commission Fiji UN Peacebuilding and Peace Support UN in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu & Vanuatu

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