The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection has condemned a video posted by students from a local tertiary institution that appears to make fun of sign language and members of the Deaf community.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, said sign language should never be treated as entertainment, as it is a vital form of communication and an important part of the Deaf community’s language, culture and identity.

The Ministry said content that ridicules sign language can reinforce negative stereotypes and contribute to the discrimination faced by persons with disabilities.

It stressed that everyone, regardless of ability, deserves dignity, equality and respect, adding that incidents such as this undermine efforts by Government, disability organisations, civil society, educational institutions and communities to create a more inclusive Fiji.

The Ministry is calling on the students involved and the institution concerned to reflect on the impact of the video and use the incident as an opportunity to promote greater awareness, accountability and understanding of disability issues.

Educational institutions have also been encouraged to strengthen disability awareness and foster environments where diversity is respected and valued.

The Ministry further reminded the public, particularly young people, that social media carries responsibility. Before recording, posting or sharing content, users are encouraged to consider its potential impact on others.

The Ministry said humour should not come at the expense of another person’s dignity and called on the public to use digital platforms to promote respect, kindness and inclusion.

The statement concluded with a reminder that building an inclusive Fiji requires everyone to play a role in ensuring persons with disabilities are respected, included and given equal opportunities to participate fully in society.