UNHCR pledges greater support for Fiji

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, pledged a stronger commitment to Fiji following the countries support for UNHCR’s global campaign to eradicate statelessness.

During her first visit to Fiji from 26 to 31 January, UNHCR Representative, Louise Aubin said there was a potential to explore new initiatives with Fiji, aimed to positively impact the lives of people in the Pacific and around the world.

She said UNHCR was happy with Fiji’s commitment to advocate for issues aligned to UNHCR mandates and UNHCR was determined to strengthen collaboration with the Fijian Government in regards to climate change adaptation and resilience building.

Ms Aubin spoke with Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Sugar Industry and Foreign Affairs Acting Permanent Secretary, Yogesh J Karan while in Fiji earlier this year.

“It’s clear that Fiji has always been a friend of the campaign with its leadership role and commitment to further eradicate statelessness,” Ms Aubin said.

Her visit highlighted both UNHCR and the Fijian Government’s commitment to the Pacific Mobility Project which addressed the cross border element of climate change.

The project aimed to develop a regional framework to address climate change induced cross-border displacement.

PS Karan said the Fijian Government’s partnership with UNHCR aligns with the Government’s climate change agenda, which includes seeking innovative solutions to address displacement amid the climate crisis.

He said Fiji also looks forward to assuming the chairmanship of the Platform on Disaster Displacement in July 2020.