My first Magazine UNDP REACH Impact Stories v13 web_FNL | Page 19

The importance of the services for people living with
various challenges was evident during the visit, and
it is particularly vital for those experts to reach out to
the remote communities and find out the needs so
that no one will be left behind. It was enabled through
collaboration with the REACH mobile service initiative.
In addition to the technical support, two applications
for disability allowance were submitted during the visit.
The social welfare officer from the Ministry of Women,
Children and Poverty Alleviation who was a part of the
mobile service delivery, advised that the newly enacted
disability allowance scheme enables individuals
living with disabilities to receive economic assistance
regardless of their family’s economic situation.
The REACH Project aims to contribute to Fiji’s achieving
17 Sustainable Development Goals with particular
focus on the Goal 16 which is a commitment to
promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable
development, provide access to justice for all and build
effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at
all levels; and the Goal 5 which is to achieve gender
equality and empowerment of all women and girls.
Fiji ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities (CRPD) on 7 June 2017. The Disability
Unit has been established within the Ministry of
Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and have
been delivering disability allowance and associated
support to people in need. The Disability Unit has also
been working in collaboration with the SIA and other
related groups and is an active part of the REACH
mobile service delivery.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities which
is 3 December was commemorated in Fiji by various
groups.
The REACH mobile service delivery was conducted
by the Rights, Empowerment and Cohesion (REACH)
for Rural and Urban Fijians Project. The REACH Project
is implemented by UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji in
partnership with the Ministry of Women, Children and
Poverty Alleviation, and the Legal Aid Commission and
supported by the Government of Japan and UNDP.
IMPACT STORIES Rights, Empowerment and Cohesion (REACH) for Rural and Urban Fijians Project
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