Representatives from four National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) will meet in Nadi, Fiji, this week to discuss and explore strategies to engage with inter-governmental mechanisms, on the issue of environmental rights and climate change in the Pacific.

The representatives will also share their experiences engaging with regional, national and local bodies to respond to the challenges of climate change.

NHRI representatives from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Samoa will join with representatives from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), Pacific Community (SPC) and Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) at the two-day talanoa (dialogue), funded by the European Union (EU).

The Deputy Head of Delegation at the European Union Delegation for the Pacific, Dr. Erja Askola reiterated the EU’s support for a strong and constructive partnership between the main actors involved in the promotion and protection of human rights and climate resilience, in a region that has been proving its commitment and leadership over these important topics.

The talanoa, to be held on 10 and 11 May 2023, will build on the previous two dialogues involving Pacific NHRIs and regional bodies in the Pacific to discuss collaboration on human rights-based approaches that respond to environmental and climate change issues.

The discussions will be facilitated by the APF’s Lead Engagement Facilitator for the Pacific, Mr Romulo Nayacalevu, and will include a panel discussion on strengthening partnerships with inter-governmental mechanisms and with representatives from NHRIs, SPC, and SPREP.

Following completion of their national activities, NHRIs will share their outcomes and findings with the PIFS, SPC and SPREP during an upcoming information exchange. The session will also include discussions on how to effectively respond to the issues identified, and the next steps.

The workshop is part of a multi-year project to promote engagement between NHRIs and regional inter-governmental mechanisms to address human rights issues in South-East Asia and the Pacific, funded by the EU and coordinated by the APF.

The APF has awarded the NHRIs of Fiji and Samoa with small grants to implement national level activities promoting the right to a healthy environment.

For more information, please contact: Nayela Akter Project Manager, Inter-Governmental Mechanism Project nayelaakter@asiapacificforum.net (mailto:nayelaakter@asiapacificforum.net)

Date: 9 May 2023