Vox Pop Ms Fane Fotu Fituafe

CPC News Bulletin writer, Jabulani Majozi, spoke to Tonga’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Employment, Women, Social Protection, Youth and Sport, Ms Fane Fotu Fituafe.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to take part in the panel discussion on the rights of persons with disabilities and to share developments in Tonga. In September 2026, Tonga had ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, nearly two decades after signing it. This marked an important milestone in recognising the rights of persons with disabilities in the country,” she said. Tonga is now working towards introducing a Disability Bill in the legislature. However, she said implementing the Convention remained challenging. She emphasised that persons with disabilities should be treated with dignity, love and respect, and that leaders and politicians must be at the forefront of advancing and protecting their rights.