United Nations in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu & Vanuatu

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth's environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in the Pacific.

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Press Release

03 May 2022

Vanuatu Government and UN host Steering Committee

The meeting was hosted by Dr. Gregoire Nimbtik, Director General, Prime Minister’s Office, and UN Resident Coordinator to Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Tonga and Tuvalu, Sanaka Samarasinha. Dr Nimbtik and Mr Samarasinha were joined by colleagues in government and the UN, based in Vanuatu and in Fiji. Dr Nimbtik acknowledged the many years of joint work between Vanuatu and the UN, and welcomed the incoming blueprint for further collaboration, stating that, “The development and implementation of the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-27 will be an opportunity to build on this foundation, so the Government is committed to be part of this process. We look forward to engaging with the United Nations through the Joint Steering Committee mechanism to ensure our efforts continue to align with Vanuatu’s priorities as outlined in the National Sustainable Development Plan (NSDP) 2016-30 and other national policy objectives.” Mr Samarasinha said the UN will continue to support Vanuatu in its response to and recovery from COVID-19, strengthening governance and rule of law, promoting sustainable economy, and the full inclusion of all, especially women and youth in development processes. “The priority areas highlighted in our new Cooperation Framework are directly derived from our analysis of your country’s priorities and needs, and they are aligned with your national planning and budgetary frameworks. Through this new Framework, your government can expect more coordinated, responsive support, with greater transparency and more accountability for results than under our current Framework,” Mr Samarasinha said. UN’s contribution to Vanuatu in 2022 is projected to be US$19million. These contributions will support Vanuatu in equitable basic services, climate change, disaster resilience and environmental protection, governance and community engagement, gender equality, and Economic empowerment and Human rights. ENDS

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Press Release

03 May 2022

Solomon Islands Government and UN host first Joint Steering Committee

The meeting was hosted by Solomon Islands Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Collin Beck, and UN Resident Coordinator to Solomon Islands, Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, Sanaka Samarasinha. PS Collin Beck was joined by PS Susan Sulu and PS Dr Melchior Mataki and other senior Government officials. PS Beck welcomed Solomon Islands’ engagement with the UN and acknowledge the work of the UN in the last four years. The two Parties discussed Solomon Islands’ 2022 priorities against the 2022 UN Joint Country Programme and further agreed to begin discussion on the next cycle of UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027 on the third week of April. Mr Samarasinha said the UN will support Solomon Islands in its response to and recovery from COVID-19, strengthening Governance and rule of law, promoting sustainable economy, and the full inclusion of all including women and youth in development processes. “The establishment of the Joint UN/Government Steering Committee was discussed of which both parties recognized its importance allowing both the Government and UN to provide strategic direction and oversight to the implementation of the joint UN programmes in Solomon Islands. New levels of collaboration across the system, and streamlining of processes will result in greater efficiencies and decreased transaction costs,” he added. UN’s contribution to Solomon Islands in 2022 is projected to be US$23.1m – a 5% increase from the 2021 provisions. These contributions will support the Solomon Islands in equitable basic services, climate change, disaster resilience and environmental protection, governance and community engagement, gender equality, and Economic empowerment and Human rights. ENDS

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Story

17 May 2022

Empowering the Vulnerable: Experts Call for Equitable Access to Climate and Disaster Risk Insurance

The financial impacts of extreme weather events in the region are driving the development of new innovative products and the formulation of national CDRFI strategies. At this early stage, there is a call for ‘fit-for-purpose’ DRF instruments that are tailored to the Pacific’s unique set of risks, challenges and opportunities. Not accounting for the needs of women and other vulnerable groups in these activities would represent a lost opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The work of Programmes – such as the UN Capital Development Fund’s (UNCDF) Pacific Insurance and Climate Adaptation Programme (PICAP), which is a joint programme with the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) -- need to be gender equitable and inclusive of the most vulnerable and marginalized. This was the call from a panel of gender experts during a virtual learning event on ‘Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) for Equal Access to Climate and Disaster Risk Finance in the Pacific’ on Thursday, 5 May 2022. PICAP has developed the region’s first parametric micro-insurance product, with over 1,300 households, with predominantly small holder farmers, fishers, market vendors and social welfare recipients covered so far. The Programme is supported by the Governments of Australia, New Zealand and Luxembourg’s Climate and Energy Fund. Additionally, the ‘Developing Climate Disaster Risk Financing Framework and Parametric Insurance in Fiji’ project is funded by the India-UN Development Partnership Fund administered by the UN Office for South-South Cooperation. Organized by UNCDF and the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, the learning event was held on the eve of the launch of PICAP’s GESI strategy. The panelists included: Merewalesi Laveti – UNDP Pacific Office’s Gender Focal Point, Monitoring and Evaluation and Country Coordination Analyst Michelle Reddy – PICAP Technical Advisory Committee member Neiua Bulou – shop owner, farmer and holder of Fiji’s first parametric microinsurance cover Losana Kumar – PICAP Project Officer, Cane Farmers’ Cooperative Savings and Loans Association Limited (CCSLA) Amit Kumar Garg – Digital Payments Expert at UNCDF Angeline Fatiaki – Senior Programme Manager, Gender Quality Programmes at the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Fiji The session was moderated by UNCDF Communications Assistant, Veima Bower Mainstreaming GESI Merewalesi Laveti opened the discussion with a strong call for development programmes to ensure gender equality and social inclusion were vital parts of their work, not simply an afterthought. She stressed that vulnerable communities need to be empowered if the world is to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. She commended PICAP for tackling structural challenges that hamper women’s access to CDRFI instruments and financial services more broadly through the GESI strategy. “It’s important to build an institutional mechanism for gender mainstreaming, such as the UNDP Pacific’s Gender Equality Seal,” Ms. Laveti added. Inclusive Market Development Approach It is crucial for the design and eligibility criteria of CDRFI products to be viewed through a gender equality and social inclusion lens. If not, products that are designed to uplift communities would leave behind a crucial segment and further exacerbate their disadvantaged position, said Michelle Reddy. “I’m so glad that PICAP adopts an inclusive market development approach, which means they make sure those vulnerable communities are included and have a say in the development of climate and disaster risk financial products,” she added. Ms. Reddy, the former Fund Manager of the Fiji Women’s Fund, advises PICAP on funding and the design and implementation of proposals to ensure they are gender equitable and socially inclusive. While providing an overview, she said the high rates of gender-based violence in the region and low participation of women in the formal workforce made accessing financial instruments difficult. People living with disabilities and gender non-conforming communities are also disproportionately affected by extreme weather events because of the existing inequalities they face, Ms. Reddy added. “The GESI strategy provides partners, funders and the PICAP team the opportunity to monitor, evaluate and hold ourselves accountable as well as learn along the process about how we can be more inclusive and gender equitable.” Support for Small Businesses Neiua Bulou, a shop owner, farmer and holder of a parametric micro-insurance cover, lives in a flood prone area in Vitogo in Fiji’s second largest city, Lautoka. She shared what her family experiences when water inundates their settlement and damages their property during heavy rain, and the difficulties they face trying to re-build. “During that time [flash flooding], we face a lot of problems. Everything is in a mess, and we don’t know where to start [again from]. In terms of assistance, government officials do come around, but it takes time,” she said. Ms. Bulou signed up to the parametric micro-insurance scheme through UNCDF aggregator partner, the Cane Farmers’ Cooperative Savings and Loans Association Limited (CCSLA). The product is designed to help micro-enterprise owners like Ms. Bulou build back better and faster with a quick injection of funds to cater for their immediate financial needs following an extreme weather event. “We are so happy that we are secure. We are confident that if something happens the help is there, and it takes two or three days to reach us,” she said. Cultural Barriers PICAP has brought together a range of aggregator and agri-agency partners to strengthen its reach and impact, especially in difficult to access places. One partner is CCSLA, a cane farmer cooperative in the country’s Western Division providing a range of savings and investment products for its members. Losana Kumar, CCSLA Project Officer for PICAP, has been leading efforts to raise awareness about the parametric micro-insurance product in the cane farming regions of Lautoka and Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second largest island. Ms. Kumar says the development of CDRFI instruments and strategies must consider the cultural barriers that hold Pacific women back from accessing them. Although women are seen as the backbone of the rural communities CCSLA visited, they tend to be the most affected during extreme weather events due to the sheer increase in workloads. “A lot of women were interested, however they had to take permission from their husbands before signing up for the Programme,” Ms. Kumar said. The GESI Strategy Participants got a first look at PICAP’s GESI Strategy, which includes the following key objectives: To achieve at least 50 percent gender coverage in all outreach efforts Reduce accessibility barriers so that CDRFI products meet the needs of women, marginalized and the most vulnerable A six step GESI assessment tool that is applied to review all partner projects A robust monitoring mechanism to track the progress and report on GESI indicators Amit Kumar Garg led the discussion on the strategy, for which he is the co-author with Rayane Chbeir, former Junior Professional Consultant with PICAP. He cited a UNCDF demand study conducted in Fiji and Vanuatu, in which 94 percent of woman respondents had experienced economic losses during extreme weather events, to stress the importance of a GESI Strategy. “Majority of the losses were immediate and near-term income loss. Similarly, the measures taken for recovery also exacerbated income loss because women were found to be selling assets, using up savings, or taking loans,” Mr. Garg said. Gender equality, a driver of growth, development and prosperity The final speaker, Angeline Fatiaki, stressed that gender inequality undermined global prosperity, stability, and security. She welcomed PICAP’s GESI Strategy as an important gender-responsive lens. Ms. Fatiaki said it was crucial to address barriers and identify opportunities to enhance women’s health, economic empowerment, and safety. “Australia continues to work with partners in the Pacific to address climate change and strengthen socio-inclusive gender responsive sustainable development in our region,” she concluded. The panelists addressed the following questions posed by the audience (60-70 people attended the webinar): What are two to three key areas that Programmes working on the financial empowerment and inclusion of women need to be mindful of? What has been some key challenges in engaging women to be involved in the Pacific Insurance and Climate Adaptation Programme? You can watch the full event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAfignqadQU

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16 March 2022

Tonga's devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami leaves fishing communities additionally vulnerable.

The natural disasters were a major blow to 74-year-old Fangupō Lātū, from the village of Pātangata. His fishing boat was sunk and destroyed during the tsunami, leaving him unable to make a living. However, he is also worried about how the crisis is affecting his community. “My village’s main source of income and livelihood come from the ocean, but the waves damaged the majority of our boats” he says. “We sold seafood daily, but now there’s none. Anyone whose boat was not destroyed no long goes fishing, due to toxicity warnings”, he adds, referring to fears associated with the ash fall that blanketed Tonga’s islands following the volcanic eruption. Food supply concerns Recovery and food security are the main medium and long-term challenges facing Tonga. As clean-up efforts continue, schools will reopen in Tonga but, when they do, many families will not be able to afford to pay required fees. Given these specific needs, the United Nations teams on the ground in Tonga and Fiji are working with the Tongan Government, Ministry of Fisheries, and National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) to ensure the needs of people like Mr. Lātū are met. The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) and Tonga’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forests, are identifying how and where they can assist, to accurately address Tonga’s additional food requirements, and ensure a coordinated response. A total of around $354,000 in funding from the Special Fund for Emergency and Rehabilitation Activities (SFERA) has been allocated to Tonga, through the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Additionally, and in the immediate aftermath, Tonga’s National Emergency Management Committee approved funding to support a decrease in the cost of deep sea fishing permits to five Tongan pa’anga (the local currency) per kilogram (USD$2.20 per kg), for a month. Rehabilitating aquaculture The rehabilitation of farming aquaculture is also underway in Tonga, especially for Mokohonu (sea cucumber) and Kanahe (fish), and the Ministry of Fisheries has implemented their Immediate Response Plan until the end of this month. This includes ensuring sufficient fish from safe sources (longline tuna and deep-water snapper fisheries) are available to the public, for consumption. The Fisheries Ministry is working closely with FAO to target priority areas for immediate support. "We are gradually getting a clearer picture of the effects which this disaster has had on the vital fisheries and agricultural sectors on which so many Tongans depend - whether it’s in terms of damage to coral reefs or from the ash cover in parts of the islands,” notes FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Pacific, Ms. Xiangjun Yao. “Under the One-UN approach, we are gearing up to provide support so that people can get back on their feet as quickly and safely as possible." - Article by: Dawn Gibson / dawn.gibson@un.org

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13 December 2021

Smart Islands Initiative: An affordable, accessible digital future for Pacific communities

The Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and countries within Micronesia pay the highest prices globally per gigabyte of internet. Often, the great cost is not met with its equal in access or speed – internet remains slow and capped at low monthly averages. On the surface, this might translate as interrupted access to Facebook and Twitter and perhaps an Instagram story that never uploads, but the impacts caused by sky-high internet costs in developing Pacific countries prone to natural hazards go much deeper. It can result in serious developmental challenges, especially exacerbated during disasters or, as we’ve now witnessed, a pandemic. In the Pacific’s case, it has been both, with disasters prefacing the second wave of COVID-19 in many Pacific countries and with the November-April cyclone season on the way. Socioeconomic challenges posed by COVID-19 have aggravated existing costs of connecting remote islands, lack of human and financial resources, inadequate digital skills and high costs to access these services. Affordable broadband access can help Pacific countries recover faster from COVID-19 and accelerate their achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This challenge presents an opportunity to bridge the communication divide through targeted support, cooperation, and partnership – a partnership which is spearheaded by thoughtful change and centered around people. In April 2020, category-5 Tropical Cyclone Harold hit several Pacific countries, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Harold claimed lives, crushed homes, and destroyed sources of income for thousands of Pacific peoples, particularly in Vanuatu and Fiji. In anticipation of one such disaster back in 2014, the United Nations, with the leadership of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), undertook a satellite connectivity project in nine Pacific countries, including Fiji, Kiribati, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu with over 90 satellite ground terminals were provided including C-Band, Ku Band, and Ka band terminals.[1] This project installed satellite ground stations to provide connectivity to communities within these Pacific countries and made disaster response operations possible in the aftermath of Harold. With affected countries having instituted COVID-induced national lockdowns, physical response to Harold was near impossible. However, the satellite capabilities established in some of the affected communities were able to connect communities to the outside world and aid disaster response efforts as they were the only means of communication. This also allowed communities to capitalize on the connectivity for non-emergency communication and socioeconomic activities, such as connecting schools, health clinics, and government offices. Our investment in infrastructure and the partnership we share with the Pacific people has changed the pace at which island communities can now recover from disasters and reduces the cost of building back better. Fast forward to now - people in these communities are learning how to access and use digital services and applications, such as mobile banking, e-commerce, e-agriculture, e-health, among others. This cost-cutting concept, which supports access to affordable connectivity in Pacific communities most in need of it, is known as the Smart Islands initiative – and it is designed to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs in the Pacific, with under a decade left to go. The Smart Islands initiative enhances broadband availability and affordability across communities, providing opportunities for digital skills development and access to digital services, which are essential to SDG targets. By digitally empowering Pacific communities through the Smart Islands initiative, the development trajectory of Pacific Island Countries will no longer be defined by geographical barriers and isolation, but rather, by the plethora of opportunities for education, healthcare, business, livelihood, and employment, among others. This initiative, now starting in Vanuatu, has gained increasing traction among Pacific Island Countries and the UN is developing Smart Islands initiatives that will capitalize on various UN agencies’ expertise and support governments to fully roll out Smart Islands initiatives in the years to come. In order to make Smart Islands a reality throughout the Pacific, an evidence-based, whole-of-government, multi-stakeholder approach is essential. By collaborating and harmonizing the development and provision of digital services, Pacific ministries and government agencies can create economies of scale, and the private sector may expand its connectivity and upgrade network capacity. Civil society and community organizations are key interlocutors in articulating community needs. This has the potential to pave the way to accelerate the introduction of emerging technology, such as big data and artificial intelligence, once communities are connected and the multitudes of data are collected to enable data analysis. Investing in a digital future for our sisters and brothers in the Pacific is a no-brainer – but it will only happen if we continue to form these crucial partnerships, placing people and sustainable change at the centre and ensuring no one is left behind. - A joint op-ed by Sanaka Samarasinha & Atsuko Okuda [1] https://www.satelliteevolutiongroup.com/magazines/Americas-August2020/index-h5.html?page=20#page=21 https://news.itu.int/itu-and-kacific-join-forces-to-boost-emergency-telecoms-and-ict-development-in-vanuatu_/

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13 December 2021

No one is Safe unless Everyone is Safe: Making Emergency Response Safe for Women and Girls

During natural disasters and emergencies, women and girls are more at risk of experiencing violence, exploitation and abuse. Simultaneously, emergencies weaken national systems, including health and legal systems, and community and social support networks. This breakdown of systems can reduce access to health services, including sexual and reproductive health services, and legal services, leading to an environment of impunity in which perpetrators are not held to account. Research shows that in Fiji, in the aftermath of the 2012 floods, some women and girls who lacked access to food, were offering sex in exchange for food as a coping mechanism. After the repatriation following the eruption in 2017 in South Ambae, reports indicated an increase in domestic violence and child abuse. Increased rates of sexual and gender-based violence, including rape, were also reported in the Solomon Islands after the Gizo tsunami in 2007. The Pacific region is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, including cyclones, tsunamis, and earthquakes. Tropical Cyclone Winston left 44 dead and 40,000 people requiring immediate assistance in Fiji alone. More recently, in Vanuatu, TC Harold affected over half the population, while the total damage in Tonga was estimated to be in excess of US$111 million. The Pacific region also holds some of the highest records of gender-based violence in the world. Unless we take adequate measures now, our region can easily become the epicentre of a systematic human catastrophe. The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign is a reminder that we can never lower our guard. Gender-based violence is present in all human activity, including emergency response. At COP 26, all Pacific leaders raised a red flag to press for action against the climate crisis, which disproportionately affects small island developing states, their communities, and their women and girls. Gender-responsive disaster risk reduction is no longer an option - it is a quintessential approach to dealing with our everyday realities. GBV has significant and long-lasting impacts on health, and the psychosocial and economic well-being of women and girls, their families and communities. States hold the primary responsibility, and must take action, to protect their citizens. In emergencies, mandated UN agencies act to support national authorities to meet their responsibilities to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to affected populations. Strengthening national systems through engaging national partners and local organizations is an integral part of UN work to sustain an effective GBV response, particularly during emergencies. As recognised in international response protocols, GBV programming, especially during emergencies, is not a “nice-to-have” , it is life-saving. It can make the difference between life and death for survivors of sexual violence and physical assaults. We are at a crossroads - with natural disasters on the rise, we simply cannot afford to have violence against women rise at the same pace. The Pacific community has the means, knowledge, commitment and international support to reverse this trend. The onus is on us, now is the time to unite and act to end GBV. Remarkable progress has been made in recent years. For example, the Pacific Humanitarian GBV Sub Cluster Working Group is building a community of practice convening NGOs, UN agencies, donors, and experts, to share experience in GBV in emergencies and to strengthen governance and coordination to support disaster preparedness and response. Disaster preparedness made headway at the national level with the development and update of national service delivery protocols in Samoa, Tonga, and The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), Fiji, Kiribati, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, or the development and update of clinical management of GBV protocols during emergencies in Fiji, Solomons Island, of RMI, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and the Federated States of Micronesia, with Pohnpei State and Yap State currently being finalised. Any meaningful national and international effort aiming to address climate change and emergency response must recognise the critical role of integrating gender considerations and analysis, and advocate for equitable participation of men and women in planning and implementation of resilience-building activities. The time to act is now. To respond to emergencies and address the climate crisis, we need strong and healthy women and men, girls and boys in all their diversities to unite and work together to find solutions. We cannot afford to leave anyone behind. -

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Press Release

03 May 2022

Tongan Government officials meet with UN lead to discuss next steps

Mr Samarasinha joined Tonga’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Fekita Útoikamanu to reaffirm the UN’s commitment to the people of Tonga as they recover from the crisis, which was heightened last night by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake about 219 km West-Northwest of Pangai in Tonga. Mr Samarasinha confirmed that the UN are preparing a team to be deployed to Tonga, if given the green light from the Tongan Government. “While we’re aware of the risk posed by COVID-19, we are preparing a team to be deployed to Tonga at the earliest if your government agrees to this proposition. Our team will be required to quarantine before departing for Tonga and once on the ground,” Mr Samarasinha said. He added that the 26 UN staff based in Tonga will continue to support the Tongan Government and their line ministries to ensure all key areas recover quickly. These UN staff have also hired additional staff locally to specifically support response efforts. “I’d also like to congratulate your government for the swift action taken by your ICT teams to address internet connectivity and communication lines locally and, now, internationally. “This meeting signifies the strong partnership between the Government of Tonga and the UN, and we look forward to supporting your recovery from this great tragedy.” Significant deliveries of non-food items arrived this week on board the HMAS Adelaide, including immediate assistance from the UN through 1,000 WASH and dignity kits for 1,000 families – including soap, sanitary pads, and other hygiene supplies. A Mobile Storage Unit donated by the UN will be used to immediately increase wharf storage space after a quarantine period of 72 hours. In addition to material assistance to affected households, the UN is also providing psycho-social support to groups of people, especially women, children, and people with disabilities. The UN will be re-focusing part of the current US$7million in development assistance to Tonga, and mobilizing more resources to Tonga to ensure a smooth transition from relief to recovery. ENDS

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Press Release

03 May 2022

UN wraps up virtual mission to FSM

Due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions, UNRC Samarasinha and the UN Pacific Country Team (UNCT) opted to conduct the mission virtually, instead of a physical mission to the country. Together with UN staff on the ground in Pohnpei, FSM, the UNCT’s meetings proved to be insightful, crucial and constructive to the ongoing enhanced UN presence in the North Pacific and wider Micronesian region. This mission was particularly significant and timely, as the UN’s Fiji-based Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) supports FSM to open its doors to a new UN coordination office to cater to the specific needs, challenges and goals of countries in Micronesia. This newest Multi-Country Office in the RC System will cover FSM, Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru and Kiribati and will be based in Pohnpei under a new Resident Coordinator. Speaking virtually to President Panuelo, Mr Samarasinha commended FSM on effectively keeping COVID-19 out of the country thus far, adding that the UN stands ready to continue providing support to the Government of FSM on inclusive recovery from COVID-19. In 2020, UN Pacific reprogrammed 42% of FSM Joint Country Action Plan (JCAP) funds towards emergency COVID-19 response, amounting to over USD9 million. President Panuelo expressed appreciation to the UN for their part in helping to keep FSM COVID-free. “This mission has provided an opportunity to review and finalize the 2021 JCAP for FSM and has been an important step towards aligning UN work on the ground with the priorities of your government and UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) to ensure our support actually meets the needs of the people of FSM,” Mr Samarasinha said. “Discussions with government officials have revealed challenges regarding limited local capacity due to out-migration and other staffing issues, which the UN understands and appreciates. We will continue to work together to support these specific concerns.” Throughout the week-long mission, UN staff virtually met with FSM government officials, civil society and development partners to discuss specific ways to continue working together meaningfully and supporting each other to understand and address key challenges. It was also an opportunity to discuss FSM’s development and progress towards achieveing Agenda 2030, as well as plans towards a new National Development Plan to upgrade the current FSM Strategic Development Plan (2004-2023). Convened and facilitated by the UN RCO Fiji multi-country Office, virtual missions are being carried out in other Pacific countries where UN agencies work. As the current UN Pacific Strategy comes to an end in 2022, UN Pacific is working with Pacific partners to develop the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2023-2027 – this framework will outline the UN’s collective response to the development priorities of the 14 countries covered in the Pacific. ENDS

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Press Release

02 April 2021

UN recognizes Fiji’s progress on fighting Child Labour

Child labour has decreased by 38 per cent in the last decade but 152 million children are still affected globally. The COVID-19 pandemic has considerably worsened the situation, but joint and decisive action can reverse this trend. “I commend the considerable work of the government of Fiji and other partners like civil society. The work on child labour in Fiji has progressed and has resulted in the country accumulating considerable child labour expertise and experience in aligning national legislation with international standards relevant to children,” said Mr. Sanaka Samarasinha, UN Resident Co-ordinator. “All the same, there is much work still to be done and we are in this fight together to eradicate this terrible practice once and for all.” The fight against child labour requires strong partnerships at global, regional, national and community level. It requires collaboration between Government, Workers and Employers Organisations, Civil Society organisations, families, and international organisations. Whilst significant progress has been achieved, the UN Resident Coordinator has recommended three areas for immediate joint action with the support of the UN. There is a need to update research on the worst forms of child labour including children in commercial sexual exploitation and drug related offences. The impact of COVID-19 with respect to the possible increase in child labour needs to be better understood. Secondly to raise awareness on child labour and worst forms of child labour reaching into communities across the country. Thirdly, to finalise and approve legal and policy frameworks to eliminate child labour in line with relevant international conventions. “We all have to make it our business to ensure children are in schools and not engaging in labour. Providing for the family is only the responsibility of adults – not children,” said Hon. Mereseini Vuniwaqa, Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation. “If we stay true to our pledge as a nation and strengthen our strategies for implementing programs, policies and legislations around child labor better, we will not only improve the lives of our children today, but also secure the lives of future generations. I am pleased to announce that the Fijian Government is pledging the following agendas in relation to the elimination of Child Labour in Fiji: Formulation of a national child labour policy, Review of the Current National Employment Policy, Finalization of the National Occupational Health Services Strategic Plan and Formulation of Paperless Labour Inspection Program,” said Minister Vuniwaqa. “Fiji has adopted legislation to prohibit employment and work of children and undertook other important and necessary steps. The UN International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour 2021 provides us this great opportunity to make sound progress within the ILO MAP-16 project funded by the US Department of Labour,” says Mr. Matin Karimli, Director of the ILO Office for Pacific Island Countries. "In Fiji, UNICEF is supporting the Government to strengthen the multi-sector child protection system to prevent and respond to child neglect, abuse and exploitation. This includes drafting of child protection legislation, capacity building of welfare officers to work with vulnerable families and ensuring they have access to guidance, social protection schemes and other services, which is a key intervention to prevent and respond to child labour. Support is also provided to improve parents’ knowledge of child development and parenting attitudes and practices, as well as to set up community-based mechanisms to prevent and respond to child protection concerns, including child labour," said UNICEF Pacific Representative, Sheldon Yett. Background: About Measurement, Awareness Raising, and Policy Engagement project (MAP16) in Fiji The MAP16 project contributes to the promotion of decent work in Fiji by contributing to the elimination of child labour and worst forms of child labour with support from the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations, Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation and Fiji Trades Union Congress. The project further aims to assist Fiji in its capacity as a Pathfinder country and to contribute to achieving SDG 8.7. For more information: https://www.ilo.org/suva About the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS): MICS is an international household survey programme developed and supported by UNICEF. Since its inception in 1995, MICS has become the largest source of statistically sound and internationally comparable data on women and children worldwide. UNICEF is supporting the government of Fiji to conduct a Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) which includes a module on child labour. MICS will provide quantitative data on the number of weekly hours and types of household and economic activities children are engaged in, disaggregated by age, gender and geographical area. Field work is on-going, and results are expected to be available at the end of 2021. For more information: http://mics.unicef.org/ Ends There are 26 UN resident agencies in the Pacific; with 16 agencies based in Fiji and 10 agencies based in Samoa. UN agencies such as UNHCR are based outside the region but collaborate with in-country agencies and Joint Presence Offices and Country Coordination Specialists to meet their country level obligations. Non-resident agencies include IAEA (Geneva), UNCDF, UN Environment, UN-Habitat (Fukuoka), UNIDO, UNCTAD, and UNODC (Bangkok). These agencies implement projects and programs in the region in partnership with resident agencies. For more information and to keep abreast the latest developments, please visit the UN in the Pacific Website: http://pacific.un.org

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Press Release

09 December 2020

Pacific Island Countries Join UN In Commitment To "Recover with Integrity"

Tackling the COVID-19 pandemic successfully to-date stands as a testament to our Governments’ swift and effective handling of the unfolding crises. Through the enforcement of effective preventive measures our Pacific region has performed relatively well in the COVID-19 environment. Our countries have been spared from large-scale outbreaks and continue to manage and tailor its COVID-19 prevention and control measures for the health, safety and security of our people. Nevertheless, the pandemic’s downstream effects continue to be detrimental for our countries health systems and economies. Procuring medical equipment and supporting our health systems, as well as mobilising funds towards economic safety nets for industry and citizens is critical for a COVID-19 response that puts people at the centre of our efforts but also comes with a significant risk of corruption. Corruption is an inevitable factor of economic and political decision making, and during times of crisis it thrives. From the public health to the private sector, and from public procurement to economic and emergency responses, the COVID-19 pandemic has not made our institutions any less susceptible to corrupt practices. Rather, it has highlighted vulnerabilities to corrupt practices, especially with regards to the mobilisation of funds, which are aimed at supporting the health system and our economies at large. The necessitated swift nature of policy reactions and preventative measures enacted by our Governments makes corruption evermore opportune. Corruption disrupts our public health sectors, the private sectors and notably, the emergency and economic responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and it cannot go unchecked. Therefore, we clearly emphasise our stance that; ‘COVID-19 recovery can and will only be achieved with integrity and accountability’. In commemoration of this year’s campaign for International Anti-Corruption Day, we commit to Recovering with Integrity. Guided by this year’s global theme, we – the leaders of our Pacific countries and the UN, are committed to eradicating corruption at every level during this crucial time of COVID-19 recovery. In addition, we must also ensure accountability and full transparency in COVID-19 related recovery budgeting. Whilst the pandemic exacerbates and highlights vulnerabilities of our systems of health and service delivery, we must also realise and make use of this occasion to consolidate our efforts to stop corruption. Recovering with Integrity also means that we, as Pacific islanders, have the opportunity to reset and support a grassroots economy. Public trust is not inherent, nor a given, especially in times of crisis. We acknowledge the urgent need to ensure access to information about public decision-making and our pandemic relief efforts. We now have the chance to increase community engagement efforts in the area of anti-corruption and are fully committed to achieving this. Through these efforts, we can circumvent the lure of corrupt practices, promote the rule of law and allow for full transparency and accountability from the institutions that serve our people. Through the avenue of public checks and balances, we aim to reinstall and maintain trust in our institutions, in order to Recover with Integrity. The UN Resident Coordinator of the Fiji Multi-Country Office is Mr. Sanaka Samarasinha. This Statement has been endorsed by: 1. The Republic of Palau 2. Federated States of Micronesia 3. Tuvalu 4. The Republic of Kiribati 5. The Republic of the Marshall Islands 6. The Republic of Fiji 7. The Republic of Nauru 8. The Kingdom of Tonga

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Press Release

26 November 2020

UNITED NATIONS AND FIJIAN GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCE UN75 COMMUNITY WEEK IN SUPPORT OF WESTERN DIVISION

Speaking at a Press Conference this morning, UN Resident Coordinator, Sanaka Samarasinha said, “The UN75 Community Week was born from the UN and the Fijian Government's joint goal to execute a high-impact initiative for the people of Nadi and Western Viti Levu as tens of thousands continue to struggle amidst the socio-economic impacts of the COVID19 pandemic. We are bringing together a vast array of partners across the diplomatic corps, private sector and civil society to generate a hike in economic activity through the week; provide critical service delivery; and support laid off workers through business and skill development sessions.” “Our three-fold goal is to provide service delivery; create opportunity for dialogue where communities can deliver messages directly to policy and decision makers; and advocate to build awareness around some of the crucial issues affecting Fiji, the Pacific and the world at this important juncture in history,” continued Mr. Samarasinha. “As has been our emphasis throughout the year, we are especially targeting women and girls; youth and persons living with disabilities.” Western Viti Levu has been one of the hardest hit in Fiji, with more than 100,000 people losing their jobs across tourism and related sectors. This is now compounded with the uncertainty of the cyclone season. Speaking at the press conference, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Immigration and Sugar Industry and Acting Permanent Secretary Foreign Affairs, Mr Yogesh Jitendra Karan conveyed the Fijian Government’s appreciation to the United Nations for the innovative partnership in organising the UN 75 Community Week. “On behalf of the Fijian Government, I congratulate the UN Resident Coordinator, the Diplomatic community and all stakeholders and key partners involved in the commemoration of the United Nations (UN) 75th Anniversary. The Anniversary celebrations will reflect the UN75 theme “The future we want, the United Nations we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism. The theme itself is very diverse and we are very grateful that the UN Team has a well thought theme for the celebrations. There are opportunities to explore innovative options across various sectors that will be present on the two days.” While reflecting on Fiji’s collaboration with the UN, PS Karan said that the UN75 Community Week coincides well with the commemoration of 12th December as the 5th Anniversary of the establishment of the Paris Agreement. “Fiji was the first country to ratify the Paris Agreement and we have continued to champion the cause for climate action through sustainable use of our environment, at the global stage. I am very pleased to mention that the Hon. Prime Minister is the recipient of the 2020 Champion of the Earth award in recognition of his policy leadership on innovative sustainable development initiatives. The award ceremony will be part of this event, and this is another significant milestone for Fiji and the region.” “As we reflect on our 50 years UN membership; Fiji is recommitting its unwavering support to the United Nations and the important work we undertake together to make the world a better place. Now more than ever we need a strong UN to deliver a just and equitable distribution formula for the COVID-19 vaccine, to deliver a strong Paris Agreement, to deliver a solid foundation for a sustainable ocean, to deliver a peaceful and harmonious world and of course to deliver on the 2030 Agenda,” PS Karan said. Friday 11th December and Saturday 12th December will be community and family days, with full-day activities planned at Prince Charles Park. Colorful exhibitions from countries around the world have been organised by embassies and diaspora communities; global cuisines are expected to be available with local restaurants and hoteliers Kanu, Radisson Blu, Tanoa Restaurant, Jack’s of Fiji and more; plus Culinary Master Classes have also been organised by the UN Local Expatriates Spouses Association. Through the UN REACH Program, led by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, the public will be able to access a wide range of services that include the registration of births, deaths and marriages, banking facilities for financial literacy through the different banks, legal services through the Legal Aid Commission and others. As an added incentive for Fijians living outside the Western division to participate, Fiji Airways, Radisson Blu Hotel, The Westin Hotel and The Hilton Hotel today released special UN75 airfare and hotel rate packages for those traveling in to be a part of the community days. For more information and to keep abreast the latest developments, please visit the UN in the Pacific Website: pacific.un.org

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