The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the world’s largest humanitarian network has reaffirmed support towards the Fijian Government’s efforts in assisting communities most vulnerable to climate change. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) secretariat supports local Red Cross and Red Crescent action in more than 192 countries, bringing together almost 15 million volunteers for the good of humanity. The IFRC’s Asia Pacific Regional Office, through its Country Cluster Support Teams and Country Offices, provides coordination, financial and technical support for disaster operations, and longer-term development programmes throughout the region.He also commended Fiji’s strong leadership on issues of climate change and pledged IFRC’s continued support in mapping out mitigation measures.This was conveyed at a courtesy call by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Regional Director for Asia Pacific, Mr Alexander Matheou, to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs, Mr Yogesh Karan, yesterday (31/10/2022).He commended the IFRC’s impressive work carried out in Fiji through the Fiji Red Cross Society, particularly in supporting Fiji’s recovery efforts by providing disaster relief assistance and humanitarian services during times of natural disasters.The IFRC Regional Director for Asia Pacific said IFRC is supporting Red Cross activities across the region on the humanitarian issues arising from disasters and health crises, with a focus on immediate needs like providing shelters and relief. The IFRC acts before, during, and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people.Mr Matheou said IFRC Asia Pacific is working with all Pacific Red Cross National Societies in the region to provide support and direction for scaling up disaster risk management action and improvement of regional coordination in disaster risk management.Mr Karan said Fiji looks forward to IFRC’s support in mitigation strategies which includes, the relocation of communities affected by climate change.The meeting also highlighted the proposed visit of the IFRC President to Fiji, early next year-2023.
In response, Mr Matheou said together with Fiji Red Cross, IFRC will continue to jointly support the Fijian Government in the review of the Disaster Risk Management Laws and related policies including the review of Humanitarian Policy and formulation of Community Based Disaster Risk Management Policy. IFRC will also work with the Fijian Government to strengthen the Fiji Red Cross Society’s legal base.Mr Karan welcomed Mr Matheou to Fiji for his first official visit, which he said demonstrates IFRC’s unwavering commitment to the development of the Pacific region.Prior to taking up his role as Regional Director, Alexander was the Executive Director International at the British Red Cross, where he was responsible for leading the global affairs and emergency responses of one of the UK’s largest charities to support global humanitarian efforts.The discussions focused on partnership prospects for climate financing, with assurances of IFRCs support to Fiji through the provision of the IFRC Disaster Relief Fund, as a source of funding for Fiji when natural disasters strike. Development cooperation through the Black Rock Facility in Nadi, which serves as a disaster relief coordination centre for Fiji and the region, was also outlined at the meeting.
Mr Karan also informed the IFRC Team, on the implementation plans for the region’s newly launched 2050 Strategy for a Blue Pacific Continent and the importance of IFRC’s support in realising the collective vision of the unified Pacific family. Fiji’s interest in capacity-building opportunities with Fiji Red Cross Society in enhancing humanitarian and volunteer services deployed during natural disasters was also highlighted at the meeting.
