KIRIBATI, Disability Country Profile
 CONSTITUTION Kiribati became independent in 1979, and adopted its own Constitution at that time. The Constitution provides that no law shall make any provision that is discriminatory of itself or in its effect. HUMAN RIGHTS Under the Constitution, there is a section on the Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of Individuals. Every individual is entitled to life, liberty security of the person, and the protection of the law. There are rights to freedom of conscience, of expression, and of assembly and association. No person may be treated in a discriminatory manner under law or by any public official. There is a definition of discrimination, but it does not specifically refer to disability. SIGNATORY TO THE UNESCAP PROCLAMATION ON THE FULL PARTICIPATION AND EQUALITY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN THE ASIAN AND PACIFIC REGION Signed in 1999 DISABILITY SPECIFIC LEGISLATION None FOCAL POINT ON DISABILITY WITHIN GOVERNMENT Social welfare is delivered through the Ministry of the Environment and Social Development NATIONAL COORDINATION COMMITTEE OR NATIONAL DISABILITY COUNCIL Not yet formed NATIONAL DISABILITY POLICY Nil NATIONAL DISABILITY ACTION-PLAN Nil DISABILITY STATISTICS AND DATA COLLECTION Public Health census of activity includes disability on the outer islands. In 1999, the Kiribati Red Cross identified just over 1000 persons with a disability, whereas in 2002, WHO estimated that the figure was closer to 2700. A survey by Inclusion International, similar to that carried out in other islands is in the final course of preparation. The Kiribati National Disability Survey Identification Committee has been set up to conduct this survey, and a coordinator appointed. SELF-HELP ORGANISATIONS Te Toa Matoa, the Kiribati Association for Youth and Adults with a Disability was established in 1998. The Association members support each other, participate in community education and outreach, and are assisting with the survey mentioned above. They specialise in performances, drama singing and traditional dance to demonstrate and promote the abilities of persons with a disability. A promotional video has been prepared for distribution, and visits to outer island are planned. Members have been to a seminar in Nadi, and also to a leadership course in Nepal. A request for land to build premises is before the Government. They have run disability awareness workshops for community groups. WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES A member of Te Toa Matoa has attended 2 workshops for WWD in Fiji in 2003 and 2004. An organization of WWD in Kiribati has been formed. EARLY DETECTION, EARLY INTERVENTION AND EDUCATION Kiribati has a high level of preventible disability arising from diabetes, cardiovascular disease, visual and hearing impairment, accidents and violence. There is a scarcity of any type of assistive devices, nor are there any rehabilitative specialists. Recently there have been improvements in facilities for those with mental illness, and links to services in New Zealand. Training of birth attendants and monitoring of high risk mothers has led to a decrease in disabled infants. There is a cross-disability Special School for the Disabled run by the Red Cross, established in 1993. It caters for pre-school, school age and young adults, from 4-21 years. All four teachers have been to New Zealand for experience of working with children with disabilities. It is hoped that a principal can be appointed with assistance from NZ VSA. Improvements in both physical and educational environments have subsequently occurred, assisted particularly by an active Parents Support Group. As yet there is no inclusive education, but it is hoped that discussions can be held with the Ministry of Education. TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT There are no vocational training initiatives. Some disabled people earn income as musicians and play at weddings and public functions. ACCESS TO BUILT ENVIRONMENTS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT Accessibility is because buildings are on ground levelNo action has been taken by government. ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS No information available. POVERTY ALLEVIATION Social Welfare is delivered via the Ministry of Environment and Social Development. CRIMINAL LAW An office of the Peoples Lawyer was established in 1982. Return to Disability Country Profiles homepage | Disability homepage | Top of Page |
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