Government reiterates commitment on World Humanitarian Day
Caption: Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr.Dirk Wagner with other guests at the World Humanitarian Day (WHD) celebration in Suva in AugustSUVA – As we commemorate World Humanitarian Day this year, the Government of Fiji reiterates its commitment to advancing inclusivity and promoting gender equality and women empowerment by strengthening their participation in humanitarian and other leadership roles. This was highlighted by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka during the WHD celebrations in Suva last August.Hon. Ditoka emphasised that Government was committed to making the needs of groups most at risk, including persons with disabilities, elderly, women, and children central to humanitarian action and a top priority. “Today, let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles of humanitarian action – impartiality, neutrality, independence, and humanity. Let us honor those who have sacrificed so much to alleviate suffering and uplift the lives of the vulnerable. Let us pledge to work together, across borders and differences, to create a world where the dignity and rights of every person are upheld,” Hon. Ditoka said.“Together, we can be the change-makers, the healers, and the guardians of hope. Together, we can build a more just, inclusive, and compassionate Fiji, one where the light of humanity shines brightly in even the darkest of times.”World Humanitarian Day is celebrated on August 19 every year in remembrance of the 2003 bombing of the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in Baghdad, a tragedy that claimed the lives of 22 humanitarians and UN staff.“This year’s theme “No Matter What” brings focus on how aid workers come together in a collective effort to alleviate extreme need.The theme reminds us that in the race against time, poverty, conflict, and disaster, we are all interconnected. Together, we can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This interconnectedness makes us stronger, more resilient, and capable of achieving incredible feats of compassion.”Minister Ditoka also acknowledged civil society organisations (CSOs), non-government orgnisations (NGOs), the Red Cross Movement, various tiers of government, donor partners, the various UN agencies, faith-based groups, the security forces, the private sector, volunteers, and all first responders for their unwavering commitment, resilience, and dedication in ensuring that we are able to collectively make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.Other keynote speakers at today’s celebration included the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr.Dirk Wagner, and representatives from the Fiji Council of Social Services, and the Fiji Red Cross Society (FRCS).
-ENDS-
The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management is responsible for implementing development strategies that bring Fijians living in rural and maritime regions the same level of access to essential services and economic opportunities as anywhere else in the country. We coordinate and implement the Fiji Government’s rural and maritime development initiatives with a mission to empower Fiji’s rural sector. We also spearhead disaster risk reduction initiatives at national and sub-national level including disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. We have offices for each of Fiji’s 14 provinces including Rotuma, leading the Fiji Government’s rural development and disaster risk management operations.
Follow us on Twitter @MRMDFiji @FijiNDMO| Facebook: @developmentfiji
For press enquiries: Aqela Susu, MRMDDM, Tel. +679 3216456/+679 9985670,
