Persons with disabilities across the Pacific are calling for their voices to be included in climate change decisions, with the Pacific Disability Forum saying they continue to face greater barriers as the region deals with the impacts of the climate crisis.

Pacific Disability Forum CEO Sainimili Tawake says persons with disabilities must not only be included in discussions but recognised as leaders and contributors to climate action.

Speaking to the media at Pre-COP31 in Nadi, Tawake says disability must be mainstreamed into climate policies, loss and damage frameworks and climate financing.

“Without disability justice there will be no climate justice,” Tawake said..

She says one of the key concerns is making sure early warning systems are accessible and that critical information reaches people in remote and isolated communities.

Tawake says when disasters strike, the impact on persons with disabilities can include the loss of assistive technology, support services and social protection.

She says damage to accessible infrastructure can also make it harder for people with disabilities to recover and build resilience.

The Forum is also calling for climate financing to reach persons with disabilities in remote islands, villages and communities.

Tawake says organisations representing persons with disabilities should be recognised as leaders in delivering inclusive climate finance.

She says Pacific leaders should also include persons with disabilities in their national delegations to major climate meetings.

The Pacific Disability Forum estimates there are about 1.7 to 1.8 million persons with disabilities across the Pacific.

Tawake says their inclusion should go beyond simply having a seat at the table.

She wants governments to reflect their needs in climate policies and ensure access to assistive technology, support services, accessible information and non-discriminatory laws.