Financial Crime World

Fiji’s Commitment to Protecting the Rights of Older Persons

Introduction

The Fijian government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of older persons through various national and international frameworks. As a member of the United Nations since 1970, Fiji has ratified several key conventions, including CEDAW in 1995 and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2017.

Constitutional Framework

The Fijian Constitution recognizes the fundamental rights of every person, including the right to adequate food and water, as well as social security schemes. The Constitution ensures that the government takes reasonable measures to achieve these rights within its available resources.

Key Provisions

  • Right to adequate food and water
  • Social security schemes
  • Government’s obligation to take reasonable measures to achieve these rights

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Fiji has committed to achieving a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous life for all citizens through the SDGs. The Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation is responsible for providing policy interventions for vulnerable groups, including older persons.

Key Areas of Focus

  • Sustainable development
  • Inclusive growth
  • Poverty alleviation

Improving Targeting and Performance of Social Assistance Programs

However, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of Fiji’s social assistance programs in reaching their intended beneficiaries. An internal review found that only 30% of beneficiaries of the Public Benefits Scheme (PBS) are from the poorest quintile, lower than the global average.

Challenges

  • Inclusion errors
  • Exclusion errors
  • Difficulty in accurately identifying recipients of poverty-targeted programs

Addressing Gaps in Social Assistance System

The government has identified the need to address important gaps in the performance of Fiji’s social assistance system. This includes improving the design and delivery of programs to ensure they achieve their intended objectives.

Key Areas of Focus

  • Improving program design
  • Enhancing program delivery
  • Concentrating efforts on the most in-need populations

National Council of Older Persons

The National Council of Older Persons, established by the Fijian government, plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights and interests of older persons. The council works closely with the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation to ensure that social assistance programs are tailored to meet the needs of vulnerable groups, including older persons.

Key Responsibilities

  • Advocating for the rights and interests of older persons
  • Working with the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation
  • Ensuring social assistance programs meet the needs of vulnerable groups

Conclusion

Fiji’s commitment to protecting the rights of older persons is evident through its national and international frameworks. However, there is a need for improvement in the targeting and performance of social assistance programs to ensure that they effectively reach their intended beneficiaries. The government’s efforts to address these gaps are crucial in achieving a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous life for all citizens.

Key Takeaways

  • Fiji has committed to protecting the rights of older persons through national and international frameworks
  • Improvement is needed in the targeting and performance of social assistance programs
  • The government is working to address these gaps and ensure that social assistance programs effectively reach their intended beneficiaries