REACH

IMPACT

STORIES 2015-2017

RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT AND COHESION (REACH) FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

The REACH Project aims to promote peace building, social cohesion and inclusiveness. Project conducts awareness raising of the social, economic and legal rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji, provides access to the services associated with these rights, and also strengthens institutional capacity to deliver these services. A mobile service delivery approach is undertaken to reach communities throughout all of Fiji with the focus to reach the furthest behind first.

Sustainable Development Goals

The REACH Project supports the achievement of Goal 16 which is commitment to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels; and Goal 5 which is commitment to achieving gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls.

Rights, Empowerment and Cohesion (REACH) for Rural and Urban Fijians Project http://www.pacific.undp.org/content/pacific/en/home/operations/projects/democratic_governance/rights-- empowerment-and -cohesion--reach--for-rural-and-urban-fij.html

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji Level 8, Kadavu House, 414 Victoria Parade Suva, Fiji Tel: 679 331 2500 Email: [email protected] www.pacific.undp.org www.pacific.undp.org RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

From 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender- Based Violence Campaign is a time to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world. During the community outreach by the team with the slogan, ‘gender equality starts from the communities,’ the officers from the Department of Women discussed with the villagers that when violence against women and children does occur in the Communities in Fiji gain gender equality communities, it should not be awareness and access services ignored. They encouraged both women and men to talk about 22 December 2017 the issue in the communities. While the world has achieved progress towards gender Savusavu, Fiji – Marguerite her more opportunities to grow equality and women’s Gain returned to her mother’s her business through accessing empowerment under the village after surviving domestic training and loans. Millennium Development Goals violence and for the past ten (including equal access to The awareness of gender years she has been earning her primary education between equality and the elimination of livelihood sewing uniforms for girls and boys), women and girls gender-based violence was students, dresses and shirts for continue to suffer unequivocally promoted by the her fellow village women and discrimination and violence in team of officers from the men using an old manual every part of the world and Fiji Ministry of Women, Children sewing machine. is not an exception. and Poverty Alleviation, Legal The emotional scars that Aid Commission, and the Participating in the awareness Marguerite still bears as a Registrar of BDM. The raising and accessing the survivor of domestic violence awareness raising was services in her village, did not stop her rising as a conducted as part of the Marguerite said “The discussion business woman. She enrolled initiative to deliver their and advice given by the officers in a university and studied with services to the doorstep of were so encouraging. I’ve her son who was a university communities coordinated by learned that these different student at the time. With the the United Nations government agencies provide certificate she earned from the Development Programme different services to us, such as university, Marguerite took (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji. The social welfare schemes, legal another step forward and team visited seven villages in aid, BDM registrations. I am applied for a business license seven districts in two provinces excited to receive my business when the Registrar of Births, of the Northern Division during license that I applied for today.” Deaths and Marriages (BDM) the global campaign of 16 Days visited her village as part of the of Activism Against Gender- She was encouraged by the team of government officers. Based Violence. officers to participate in the The business license will bring training of trainers and become RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

a business skills trainer supported by the Department. Iva Batiki, who has been taking a leadership role for Savudrodro village for more than 30 years, was among the participants in the awareness session conducted in her community. She was a graduate of the leadership training provided by the Department of Women. Iva encouraged other women in Fiji to take leadership and gave her message, “Never be quiet and shy to talk about sensitive Marguerite Gain with her sewing machine issues like gender-based violence. Encourage everyone equality and violence against to participate and talk to women now better integrated everyone equally. The key is to into the Sustainable show your love to everyone.” Development Goals than in any prior development framework, The Fiji Government has we have an unprecedented endorsed the 2030 Agenda for opportunity to strengthen Sustainable Development which efforts to address and reduce calls for action by all countries gender-based violence.” to improve the lives of people and set its 17 Sustainable Through strengthening people’s Development Goals (SDGs). awareness of the social, Among the 17 Goals, Goal 5 economic and legal rights focuses on achieving gender enshrined in the Constitution of equality and empowerment of the Republic of Fiji and access all women and girls as it defines to the associated government gender equality as not only a services, the UNDP Pacific fundamental human right, but a Office in Fiji promotes gender necessary foundation for equality and supports the http://www.pacific.undp.org/cont peaceful, prosperous and achievement of these Goals. ent/pacific/en/home/presscenter/ articles/2017/12/22/communities- sustainable societies. Goal 16 is The mobile awareness raising in-fiji-gain-gender-equality- a commitment to promote and service delivery was awareness-and-access- peaceful and inclusive societies services3.html conducted by the Rights, for sustainable development, Empowerment and Cohesion provide access to justice for all (REACH) for Rural and Urban and build effective, accountable Fijians Project. The REACH and inclusive institutions at all Project is implemented by levels. UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji in United Nations Achim Steiner, UNDP partnership with the Ministry of Development Administrator, in his statement Women, Children and Poverty Programme on the International Day for the Alleviation, and the Legal Aid (UNDP) Pacific Elimination of Violence Against Commission and supported by Office in Fiji Women and the 16 Days of the Government of Japan and www.pacific.undp.org Activism, said, “With gender UNDP. RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji. The access to the government services for the people in the communities is often challenged by the geographical location which is quite distant from the town center where the services and support are being provided and even if people can travel, often there is very rough terrain delaying the transportation. This is more so for people People with disabilities encouraged to facing limited mobility. become more active through mobile However, due to the REACH mobile service delivery some service delivery of them have recently obtained the technical advice 7 December 2017 and walking aids for the first time, and some obtained readjustment or repair for the Ba, Fiji - “I am going to my in need of such kind of maintenance of their farm again,” Merewai support. equipment provided earlier. Lewaniekuvu said with a large With the support of the smile. Merewai was among 222 Rights, Empowerment and people (103 women and 119 She had stopped going to her Cohesion for Rural and Urban men) who received the REACH farm since she developed her Fijians Project (REACH), the mobile service delivery during knee pain over the last three expert group visited the the four-day visit to the years. The pain discouraged remote communities in interior communities in Savatu her to walk to and from her mountainous interior of Fiji as District in Ba Province, farm along the unpaved path part of the REACH mobile Western Division. Among from her village located on the team who conducts them 11 people (five women hill and forced her to stay at awareness raising of the and six men) were directly home. social, economic and legal assisted by the SIA. rights enshrined in the Her eyes were lit up when she Constitution of the Republic of Jane Savou from SIA said, “We received the walking cane and Fiji and delivers associated assist people to regain their tested it in front of her house. services on doorsteps mobility they lost. We She was visited by the group throughout Fiji. The initiative encourage people to walk by of specialists from the Spinal is coordinated by the Ministry themselves with some walking Injury Association (SIA), a non- of Women, Children and aids, so they stay healthy and governmental organization Poverty Alleviation, Legal Aid active.” working in Fiji, who provides Commission, Human Rights mobility equipment and “We were able to provide our and Anti-Discrimination technical assistance to people services to the people who Commission and the United need mobility assistance but RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

had never been provided before,” she added. The importance of the services for people living with various challenges was evident during the visit, and it is particularly vital for those experts to reach out to the remote communities and find out the needs so that no one will be left behind. It was enabled through collaboration with the REACH mobile service initiative. REACH mobile awareness raising and service delivery session at Buyabuya village, In addition to the technical Savatu District, Ba Province. support, two applications for disability allowance were December was submitted during the visit. The commemorated in Fiji by social welfare officer from the various groups. Ministry of Women, Children The REACH mobile service and Poverty Alleviation who delivery was conducted by the was a part of the mobile Rights, Empowerment and service delivery, advised that Cohesion (REACH) for Rural the newly enacted disability and Urban Fijians Project. The allowance scheme enables REACH Project is implemented individuals living with by UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji in disabilities to receive partnership with the Ministry Merewai Lewaniekuvu, assisted by the SIA economic assistance staff to adjust her walking cane of Women, Children and regardless of their family’s Poverty Alleviation, and the economic situation. Legal Aid Commission and http://www.pacific.undp.org/conte Fiji ratified the Convention on supported by the Government nt/pacific/en/home/presscenter/ar the Rights of Persons with of Japan and UNDP. ticles/2017/12/07/people-with- disabilities-encouraged-to-become- Disabilities (CRPD) on 7 June The REACH Project aims to more-active-through-mobile- 2017. The Disability Unit has service-delivery0.html contribute to Fiji’s achieving been established within the 17 Sustainable Development Ministry of Women, Children Goals with particular focus on and Poverty Alleviation and the Goal 16 which is a have been delivering disability commitment to promote allowance and associated peaceful and inclusive support to people in need. The societies for sustainable Disability Unit has also been development, provide access working in collaboration with to justice for all and build the SIA and other related effective, accountable and groups and is an active part of United Nations inclusive institutions at all Development the REACH mobile service levels; and the Goal 5 which is Programme delivery. to achieve gender equality (UNDP) Pacific International Day of Persons and empowerment of all Office in Fiji with Disabilities which is 3 women and girls. www.pacific.undp.org RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

People living in remote maritime or interior communities often face challenges in accessing the social, economic and legal services the government provides. People residing in close proximity to urban center where government offices are located are not always aware of the rights and services they could access. Teams of government officers are going to communities to

conduct awareness raising of Regaining her strength through awareness the social, economic and legal rights enshrined in the of her rights and access to services Constitution of the Republic of Fiji and provide immediate 20 November 2017 access to the services associated with these rights. The teams include officers Rakiraki, Fiji – Pranesh Lata available to us. A local school from the Ministry of Children, was not aware of the social teacher one day told me Women and Poverty welfare services the about the team who was Alleviation, Legal Aid Government provides to coming to our community Commission, Human Rights people in Fiji nor thought she with some information and and Anti-Discrimination would need it until her services,” said Pranesh as she Commission and other related husband fell ill. Her husband recalled the events. government agencies was a carpenter and built the Fortunately, she was one of 37 coordinated by the UNDP. house where they and their people (15 women and 22 two daughters are living A mobile service delivery men) who attended the comfortably in the Western approach is undertaken using mobile awareness raising and part of Fiji. Sadly, one day her three buses custom designed service delivery session husband suffered a stroke and equipped as mobile brought to her community at while out at sea fishing for the offices to reach communities Nanuku settlement in Rakiraki family’s livelihood. Shocked by throughout all of Fiji with the District by government what happened, Pranesh and focus to reach the furthest officers and the United her daughters immediately behind first. Nations Development faced new challenges they Programme (UNDP) Pacific A total of 8905 people (i.e. have never experienced Office in Fiji. During the 4237 women, 3959 men and before. session, she learned her rights 709 children) from 526 “We were struggling hard to and the services she is entitled communities in 85 districts deal with the situation. I did to, to support her family in the across Central, Eastern, not know about government difficult situation. Northern and Western services which could be Divisions have benefitted from RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

the mobile awareness raising Sustainable Development effective, accountable and and service delivery since it Goals, particularly to promote inclusive institutions at all commenced in September peaceful and inclusive levels (Goal 16); and to 2015 until September 2017. societies for sustainable achieve gender equality and development, provide access empowerment of all women Pranesh is regaining her to justice for all and build and girls (Goal 5). strength to face the challenges, and has recently received good news – one of the social welfare services she applied for has been approved.

“The allowance will be a great relief for us since we have to manage the medical expenses for my husband and schooling for my daughters to continue their education,” she said. She is hopeful that one day soon her husband will recover and be well enough to work Pranesh Lata assisting her husband again. This is an initiative of the Rights, Empowerment and Cohesion (REACH) for Rural and Urban Fijians Project that aims to promote peace building, social cohesion and inclusiveness through awareness of rights, access to services, provision of legal advice and institutional capacity building in Fiji. The http://www.pacific.undp.org/content/ pacific/en/home/presscenter/articles/ three-year REACH Project is 2017/11/27/regaining-her-strength- being implemented by the through-awareness-of-her-rights-and- UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji in access-to-services.html partnership with the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, and the

Legal Aid Commission and United Nations supported by the Government Development of Japan and UNDP. Programme (UNDP) Pacific The initiative supports Fiji’s Office in Fiji commitment to achieving www.pacific.undp.org RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

only in the capital city of Suva, but in other locations as well so that the deaf can have equal access to justice. Social, economic and legal services are available and provided to persons in Fiji by the government but are not always known and easily accessed by all communities. Geographical location, language, economic, social and physical conditions can be barriers to essential

government services. The Sign language on board for equal access to need for increased awareness of the right to access to justice services and advocating for the rights and the delivery of services that are enshrined in the 16 November 2017 Constitution of the Republic of Fiji, has been identified as a Suva, Fiji - The inclusion of government officers through priority so that no one is left sign language interpreters sign language interpreters, behind. provided persons with hearing who are not always available. loss access to social, economic A mobile service delivery Director of the FAD, Krishneer and legal services and approach to raising awareness Sen said, “Provision highlighted of rights and delivery of of sign language equal access to “Provision of sign services was initiated by the interpreters would justice and language Fijian Government and UNDP help us access government Pacific Office in Fiji with interpreters would government services as support from the Japanese help us access services. The human rights Government. government services. programme today during a recent was helpful because Teams from the Ministry of outreach at the … We have now we had interpreters Women, Children and Poverty Nausori market accessed the with us. We have Alleviation, Legal Aid coordinated by information we now accessed the Commission, Human Rights the government wanted through sign information we and Anti-Discrimination officers and language.” wanted through Commission, and other United Nations sign language.” related government agencies Development Director of the FAD, Krishneer Sen use mobile offices to take Programme He spoke to the their services to the doorsteps (UNDP). Human Rights and of communities. Buses were Anti-Discrimination Members of the Fiji custom designed and Commission about the need to Association of the Deaf (FAD) equipped to serve as mobile have sign language communicated their needs to offices to deliver the services. interpreters in the courts, not RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

Sign language interpreters were invited to the recent REACH awareness and service delivery sessions to provide the deaf community with easier access to the services. A member of FAD, Asena Waqa, highlighted the challenge of accessing justice and services as a woman and deaf person. The role of sign language interpreters “It is really hard for deaf is crucial for equal access to services. persons to communicate on social issues such as domestic introduced in Fiji Parliament in Director of the FAD, Krishneer Sen advocate violence. Deaf women living 2016. for the provision of sign language with violence do not know interpreters for equal access to services. The Rights, Empowerment and where to go and how to seek Cohesion (REACH) for Rural and empowerment of all assistance. It is difficult to and Urban Fijians Project aims women and girls. communicate without sign to promote peace building, language.” social cohesion and *An advocacy video, ‘REACH service delivery in sign “I obtained a lot of inclusiveness by reaching the language’ which presents the information during the furthest behind first. The REACH awareness raising and awareness session which will REACH Project is implemented service delivery session with be useful for my colleagues by UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji in FAD members is available on and friends as well. I partnership with the Ministry UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji YouTube requested the officer from the of Women, Children and (http://bit.ly/2hMQrDw) Department of Women to Poverty Alleviation, and Legal come and talk to deaf women Aid Commission and is http://www.pacific.undp.org/content/pa to raise awareness of supported by the Government cific/en/home/presscenter/articles/2017 accessing the services,” she of Japan and UNDP. /11/16/sign-language-on-board-for- equal-access-to-services-and-advocating- added. It supports the achievement of for-the-rights.html Fiji ratified the Convention on Sustainable Development Goal the Rights of Persons with (SDG) 16 which highlights Disabilities (CRPD) on 7 June UNDP’s commitment to 2017. The CRPD adopts a promote peaceful and broad categorization of inclusive societies for persons with disabilities and sustainable development and reaffirms that all persons with to provide access to justice for all types of disabilities must all, to build effective, enjoy all human rights and accountable and inclusive United Nations institutions at all levels. It also Development fundamental freedoms. Programme Aligning with the aims of the promotes SDG 5 which seeks (UNDP) Pacific CRPD, the Rights of Persons to achieve gender equality Office in Fiji with Disabilities Bill was www.pacific.undp.org RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

are not aware of the services they are entitled to. Shakuntala Wati was among other participants in Wailea settlement, who utilized the mobile service. She works at a food processing factory and came to the session after her work hours. “I and my husband came to know that he will be eligible to the social pension scheme soon. And so, he talked with the officer how to prepare for his application. It is a very Urban communities benefited from the useful service,” she said. evening mobile awareness raising and People appreciated the recent service delivery change in the provision of the social pension scheme, in 7 November 2017 which the eligible age of persons expanded from 65 Suva, Fiji – Women, men and Commission; Human Rights years and above, and with the youths from three of Suva’s and Anti-Discrimination increased allowance of urban communities, Jittu Commission; Fiji Police Force; FJD$100 per month. Estate Veiquwawa, Wailea and other related government settlement and Tamavua-i- agencies coordinated by the Mr. Pio Sovalevu, Community Wai settlement, actively United Nations Development Police Coordinator for Jittu engaged during evening Programme Estate sessions in the awareness (UNDP) Pacific Veiquwawa raising and service delivery Office in Fiji. said that this recently undertaken by the was very Several people Rights, Empowerment and useful for living in urban Cohesion (REACH) for Rural people in his areas face and Urban Fijians Project. community, specific many of The communities became challenges whom may more aware of their social, when accessing be eligible economic and legal rights government Shakuntala Wati (front left) was among to and could enshrined in the Constitution services. Some other participants in Wailea settlement, who utilized the mobile service. use the of the Republic of Fiji and may not be services but immediately accessed services able to visit the government did not know their rights and associated with these rights. office during opening hours if the services they could access. The services were provided by they are employed, if they are He was particularly impressed the officers from the Ministry taking care of sick family that the mobile service of Children, Women and members at home or if they delivery team came right to Poverty Alleviation; Legal Aid RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

the doorstep and joined in Government who are levels (Goal 16); and to with his community and passionately contributing to achieve gender equality and families in the evening, he felt Fiji’s sustainable empowerment of all women this was a very clear development.” and girls (Goal 5). demonstration of the priority A total of 204 people (106 focus the government has on women and 98 men) delivery of services to all participated in the mobile Fijians. sessions conducted in the This is an initiative of the three communities. REACH Project that aims to UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji promote peace building, social Country Director and Head of cohesion and inclusiveness Regional Policy and through awareness of rights, Programme, Bakhodir First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in access to services, provision of Fiji, Mr Tomoaki Miyamoto joined the team Burkhanov, participated at an legal advice and institutional in Tamavua-i-Wai settlement evening session in Wailea capacity building in Fiji. It is settlement. He said, “The being implemented by UNDP REACH Project was designed http://www.pacific.undp.org/content/pa Pacific Office in Fiji cific/en/home/presscenter/articles/2017 and is being implemented in in partnership /11/06/urban-communities-benefited- full alignment to from-the-evening-mobile-awareness- with the Ministry “This model offers Fiji’s socio- raising-and-service-delivery.html of Women, much inspiration political, economic Children and and learning to and cultural Poverty context.” Alleviation, and other countries its the Legal Aid overarching focus “This model offers Commission and on putting people at much inspiration supported by the and learning to the centre of Government of development, …..” other countries in Japan and UNDP. its overarching UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji focus on putting First Secretary of Country Director and Head of people at the the Embassy of Regional Policy and Programme, Bakhodir Burkhanov, centre of Japan in Fiji, Mr development, and Tomoaki reaching the furthest behind Miyamoto joined the team in first.” Tamavua-i-Wai settlement. He said, “I witnessed the needs of The REACH Project supports this mobile service delivery Fiji’s commitment to achieving approach and the positive Sustainable Development changes made in people’s lives Goals, particularly to promote since the Project commenced peaceful and inclusive United Nations in 2015.” societies for sustainable Development development, provide access Programme “The Government of Japan, to justice for all and build (UNDP) Pacific through the REACH Project, is effective, accountable and Office in Fiji proud of supporting Fijian www.pacific.undp.org inclusive institutions at all people and the Fiji RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

guaranteed by Fiji’s Constitution and exercised their rights by accessing social, economic and legal services provided by government. The services were brought to the village by a team of government officers coordinated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji, as part of the Rights, Empowerment and Cohesion (REACH) for Rural and Urban Fijians Project. This team also provided People enjoyed government services mobile service delivery to made accessible at remote locations market vendors and others at the Labasa and Savusavu and market places municipal markets, where people accessed the services 7 August 2017 using a custom designed bus equipped as a mobile office to Losavati Sovivi found herself communicating with children deliver services for the first passionately engaged in the but I may not have always time in the Northern awareness raising talanoa been mindful of the Division. People at the markets (talk) and found exactly what importance of those matters,” could consult officers from the she wanted to know to make said Sovivi. Ministry of Women, Children and her family happier. The details Poverty Alleviation, Legal Aid “I also obtained the of the social pension scheme Commission, Human Rights and information about social and the importance of child Anti-Discrimination Commission, pension scheme. I’ve found I protection inspired her, and the Ministry of Justice. can apply on behalf of my especially as she has Henry Barrack, a vendor at mother-in-law and I can dedicated herself to caring for Savusavu market, supports his prepare all required her family members, raising family by selling yaqona and documents to apply,” she her ten children – with the vegetables. He was one of the added. youngest at 11 years old – and many who accessed the she has been looking after her Sovivi was one of 75 people services being provided by the 82 year-old mother-in-law. (46 women and 29 men) who mobile service delivery bus. gathered at the community “It was an eye-opener, finding “I was able to start the legal hall at Naboutini village, out how we as adults should process to adopt one of my located in Saqani district of talk to children, politely, grandchildren. I wanted to Cakaudrove province. They paying attention to them and formalize it so I can fully became more aware of listening to them. I have a lot welcome the baby boy to my various topics on the rights of experience in family while his mother raises RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

two more children as a single and Poverty Alleviation, and mother,” said Barrack. the Legal Aid Commission with support from the Government REACH Project Outreach of Japan and UNDP. Coordinator at the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, Salesi Savu said, "Some communities and individuals are challenged with geographical locations in accessing these services that more available in towns.” “Others like market vendors, found it difficult to find time to leave work and go to government offices. So, we take the services right to their communities or in this case the locations convenient to them such as the market place," said Savu.

The Fijian Government has Villagers arrived in endorsed the global numbers to take Sustainable Development advantage of the services provided by the Goals, which aim to ensure REACH bus mobile office. that no one will be left behind in the path to sustainable development. Goal 16 is a commitment to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build http://www.pacific.undp.org/content/ effective, accountable and pacific/en/home/presscenter/articles/ inclusive institutions at all 2017/08/07/people-enjoyed- government-services-made- levels. And Goal 5 is a accessible-at-remote-locations-and- commitment to achieve market-places.html gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls. The REACH Project supports the achievement of these goals. United Nations Development The Project is implemented by Programme the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji (UNDP) Pacific in partnership with the Office in Fiji Ministry of Women, Children www.pacific.undp.org RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

services that are provided by the Ministry of Justice through Birth, Death and Marriage Registration.” To access government services, the people in Naraiyawa village, catch the public bus very early in the morning to Navua or Suva, but have limited time to spend in town as they need to return on the same day. The bus fare expense is another barrier for

them to access these services.

Marriage ceremony on the mobile ‘REACH mobile service delivery’ raises people’s service delivery bus brings hope to the awareness on the rights newlyweds enshrined in Fiji’s Constitution and provides social, economic 7 August 2017 and legal services by the relevant service providers at the doorstep of the people in Fiji. It had been longed for and officers from the Ministry of came as a most welcomed Justice, Ministry of Women, Savaira Marama Rakula, the surprise to Amani Rakula and Children and Poverty happy bride said, “It will really Savaira Marama Rakula to be Alleviation, Legal Aid change our life. We are very joined in civil union as Commission and the United excited with being legally husband and wife through the Nations Development married. It will secure the ‘REACH mobile service Programme (UNDP) visited the equal ownership between us delivery’ that arrived at their community as part of the and our access to government remote village in Namosi ‘REACH mobile service services available for married province. delivery’. couples as well as other services such as joint bank The newlyweds have been The bridegroom, Amani accounts. It will bring about together for the past six years Rakula said, “We had always socio- economic benefits to but have never had the planned to get married legally us.” chance to officially be after living as a couple for six married. This was made years. We’ve always wanted A hundred and ninety-six possible and formally presided to be legally married. We are people (120 women and 76 by an officer from the Births, here in the mountains and men) from three communities Deaths and Marriages most of the services we’ve in Naqarawai district in Registration Office in their come to know are just through Namosi province accessed village of Naraiyawa, located hearsay. We understood well information and services in in Naqarawai district of from the REACH awareness the recent REACH service Namosi province. A team of raising session today the delivery using the mobile RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

office, a customized bus empowerment of all women equipped to deliver services to and girls. The REACH Project remote communities. supports the achievement of these goals. The services provided to the people range from marriage certificates, bus fare assistance to women’s club project support. Sixty people (32 women and 28 men) received legal aid services in regards to the civil, family and criminal laws, 97 people (67 women and 30 men) accessed social welfare schemes, and 153 women consulted officers from the Department of Women. The Rights, Empowerment and Cohesion (REACH) for Rural and Urban Fijians Project aims REACH mobile service delivery bus at Naraiyawa village, Naqarawai district of Namosi to promote peace building, province. social cohesion and inclusiveness. A mobile service http://www.pacific.undp.org/content/pacific/en/home/presscenter/articles/2017/08/ 07/marriage-ceremony-on-the-mobile-service-delivery-bus-brings-hope-to-the- delivery approach is newlyweds.html undertaken to reach communities throughout Fiji with the focus to reach the furthest behind first. The Fijian Government has endorsed the global Sustainable Development Goals which aim to ensure that no one will be left behind in the path to sustainable development. Goal 16 is a commitment to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all United Nations levels. And Goal 5 is a Development commitment to achieve Programme (UNDP) gender equality and Pacific Office in Fiji www.pacific.undp.org

RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

brought women artisans to Suva, the capital city of Fiji and provided the platform to showcase their handicrafts and other products with the objective to promote their talent and provide them with access to new marketing opportunities. It included information and awareness raising sessions on health awareness and check-ups, financial products and climate change.

475 artisan women from the Be Empowered, Be the Change Western, Northern, Eastern, and Central Divisions of Fiji, 11 July 2017 many of whom are from rural Empowering a woman “I was explained the and remote maritime empowers a nation – this was documents required to apply communities, are now recognized by women who were for the assistance. And then I confident to make a positive present at the recent Fiji National was assisted by a Legal Aid change in their lives after the Women’s Expo and had the Commission officer opportunity to access social, Expo. immediately and provided economic and legal services Women and visitors at the provided by the Rights, with further assistance. I was Expo were able to meet and Empowerment and Cohesion given the statutory consult officers from the (REACH) for Rural and Urban declaration to submit for my Fijians Project. application”. Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Legal Akanisi Tawa, President of “I am hopeful that my Aid Commission and Human Natogo Wise Women’s Club, application will be accepted Rights and Anti-Discrimination Tavua, Western Division found this time. I am glad that I took Commission who were part of an opportunity to apply for a the opportunity provided the REACH mobile service ‘Care and Protection’ support through the REACH Project,” team. The REACH Bus, also through REACH mobile she smiled. referred to as a ‘mobile office’ services at the Expo. Empowering women has a was showcased at the Expo “I am a mother of four positive impact on their and used by the team to children and also a families and communities at deliver REACH services to grandmother. I sell vegetables large. Access to information, remote and rural at Tavua market and some social, economic and legal communities. handicrafts through our services gives Fijian women a Women were also informed of women’s club. Those are our sense of boldness towards their constitutional rights source of income, which is change. through videos featured in barely enough to support my The Expo organized by the three languages - English, family,” she said. Ministry of Women, Children iTaukei and Hindi. and Poverty Alleviation, RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

Mr. Seremaia K Waqainabete, “Under the coordination of Mr. Tsuguyoshi Hada Chargé the Deputy Director, Legal Aid the REACH Project, we saw d’Affaires a.i., Embassy of Commission said, “During this time as an opportune to Japan, said, “Japan is happy these outreach programs, the bring to you essential services with the overall progress of Legal Aid Commission has that you may not be able to the REACH project since it been providing services such easily access,” she added. started in 2015. I am very as free legal advice, pleased to see that the REACH Mr. Ashwin Raj, the Director information on the rights of Project is a key sponsor of the of Human Rights and Anti- citizens under the Fiji National Women's Expo Discrimination Commission, Constitution, free witnessing 2017. This is a practical who took part in the of documents like birth contribution by the REACH awareness raising activities certificates, academic Project, in line with its core with the women participants, transcripts, as well as assist in objectives, which is to encouraged them, “Every the filling of legal aid empower the women of Fiji.” Fijian has the right to know application forms for those exactly what these rights are The 2030 Agenda for seeking assistance.” and how to access institutions Sustainable Development Amelia Diwabau was another to be able to materialize those Goals launched on 1 January who made a positive step to rights as well as where to seek 2016 with 17 goals, addresses improve her situation. redress when those rights the needs of people in both have been impinged upon.” developed and developing “I am from Mudu Village in countries - emphasizing that Koro Island. The Tropical During Expo 82 people (70 “No one should be left Cyclone Winston was women and 12 men), accessed behind”. The REACH project devastating and destroyed my the services on the REACH Bus will contribute particularly to house, and so I currently stay and 79 people (67 women and achieving Goal 5: Achieving in Suva with my four children 12 men) acquired information gender equality and and parents.” and assistance at the desk empowering all women and during the three days of the “The officer advised me what girls and Goal 16: Promoting Expo. documents I need to submit to just, peaceful and inclusive apply for the family assistance Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov, societies. so I could continue sending my Country Director and Head of The REACH Project aims to children to school as well as Pacific Regional Policy and promote peace building, social looking after my parents. I like Programme, UNDP Pacific cohesion and inclusiveness this service provided while we Office in Fiji reported the through awareness of rights, are here.” result to-date, “the REACH access to services, provision of mobile service delivery has Hon. Mereseini Vuniwaqa, legal advice and institutional reached 4,775 people in 48 Minister for Women, Children capacity building in Fiji. The districts across 11 of the 15 and Poverty Alleviation talked project is implemented by the provinces in Northern, to women and said, “It is very UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji in Eastern, Central and Western important that in times where partnership with the Ministry Divisions, on a mission to raise we are striving to promote of Women, Children and awareness of the social, women’s economic Poverty Alleviation, and the economic and legal services empowerment, we create an Legal Aid Commission with available.” equitable enabling support from the Government environment for our women.” of Japan and UNDP. RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

learned today with our people back home,” she added.

Head of the Nabukelevu District of the Kadavu Province, Livia Mariwa, found the REACH service delivery a good opportunity to obtain necessary information to assist elderly women in her women’s club.

“In the rural area, we have limited opportunity to access information and services. I found the REACH programme is the chance for us to do so. It will Empowering Women to Empower assist for the needs of our elders who are the foundation of our More People women’s club.” 20 June 2017 “I am getting information on how to obtain assistance so they can A hundred women from Fiji’s They had the opportunity to benefit from those services such Eastern Division were able to strengthen their knowledge on as bus/boat fare assistance and access social, economic and legal issues they are concerned about social pension scheme,” she services and increase their such as gender equality and added. awareness on the rights gender based violence. The enshrined in the Constitution of women were also provided with Providing the opportunity for the Republic of Fiji during a individual services by the women to have increased workshop recently organized in Ministry of Women, Children and knowledge and access to Suva. Poverty Alleviation, Legal Aid information and services then Commission, Human Rights and enables women to support The workshop was coordinated Anti-Discrimination Commission others who need assistance. by the Rights, Empowerment and and Fiji Police Force to become Empowering women will result in Cohesion (REACH) for Rural and empowered to address their empowering more people Urban Fijians Project issues of concern. through them and further implemented by the UNDP support gender equality which is Pacific Office in Fiji in partnership The Rotuma Women’s a crucial condition for with the Ministry of Women, Association President, Marieta sustainable development. Children and Poverty Alleviation, Tiuhe’a said, “The social welfare and the Legal Aid Commission services, legal aid services, The participants made their with support from the information on the issue on child travel from their respective Government of Japan and UNDP. abuse and other information that island communities to Suva to was shared during the REACH attend the Fiji National Women’s The workshop aimed to programme was an eye-opener EXPO 2017 organized by the empower women by providing for us. It was very informative.” Ministry of Women, Children and opportunities to access Poverty Alleviation from 14 to 16 information and services for the “We, 14 of us, are privileged to June 2017. women who came from maritime be part of the programme today. communities of Lau, Kadavu, We don’t have many chances to The women were warmly Lomaiviti and Rotuma who have have this kind of awareness welcomed to the workshop by particular challenge to do so due raising so we will share what we Minister for Women, Children to their geographical locations. RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Mereseini Vuniwaqa.

“You, the women of the Eastern Division, from the provinces of Lau, Kadavu, Lomaiviti and Rotuma have travelled days ahead of the National Women’s Expo from so far away,” said Hon. Vuniwaqa.

“Rural women are leaders, entrepreneurs and service providers, and their contributions are vital to the well-being of families, communities and economies, Participants from the Eastern Division received the certificate of participation at the and the achievement of the end of the workshop. Sustainable Development Goals.

“We saw this time as an opportune one to bring to you with relevant information The Government has endorsed essential services under the regarding these services.” the global Sustainable coordination of the REACH Development Goals which aim to UNDP Programme Manager for Project.” ensure that no one will be left Access to Justice, Rule of Law and behind and endeavor to reach Human Rights, Christine Fowler, The Minister also raised the issue the furthest behind first. Goal 16 said, “As of 12 June 2017, 4775 on gender based violence as one is a commitment to promote people have benefitted from the of the most severe obstacle in peaceful and inclusive societies REACH Project awareness raising the empowerment of women for sustainable development, and service delivery of which and identified the efforts made provide access to justice for all 2326 are women. Also, 3428 by the Government and and build effective, accountable services have been accessed by communities to eradicate the and inclusive institutions at all people including 2158 services violence, including the recently levels. For Goal 5, there is provided to women by the launched national domestic commitment to achieve gender REACH team comprised of the violence helpline. equality and empowerment of all Ministry of Women, Children and women and girls. The REACH “Gender based Violence is one of Poverty Alleviation, Legal Aid Project supports the the most severe, detrimental, Commission and Human Rights achievement of these goals. and inhumane obstacle in the and Anti-Discrimination empowerment of women. One Commission”. thing we have understood well, is that gender based violence is a result of gender inequality.

She added, “I wish to remind you that it is your right to be safe, protected and to have access to justice through legal services. I United Nations http://www.pacific.undp.org/conte Development hope you have taken good note nt/pacific/en/home/presscenter/ar Programme of the services that are available ticles/2017/06/20/empowering- (UNDP) Pacific for you and all Fijian women and women-to-empower-more- people-.html Office in Fiji that you will help anyone in need www.pacific.undp.org

RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

provide for her children despite not having any source of income.

“I came to know about the assistance which I am entitled to, and I was given advice by Social Welfare Officer and Legal Aid Officer to apply for maintenance,” said Naidoleca.

Youths from Yanuca village and Naicabecabe village attended the awareness and service delivery sessions at Yanuca village hall.

Pauliasi Racumu from Yanuca village said the youth group has been actively engaging in Youths in Moturiki District recognized community work to recover from the damage caused by Tropical Constitutional values and rights Cyclone Winston which destroyed the villages. 9 June 2017 Savaia Baunaki from Naicabecabe It is crucial for youths to exercise offices and representatives such village said, ‘It would be good if their constitutional rights to as Police, Judicial Department we also organize ourselves and constructively engage with their and the Provincial Council. discuss various topics among country’s sustainable youths.’ Coordinated by the United development path at all levels. Nations Development Raising awareness of This was evident during a Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office constitutional rights and social, community consultation in in Fiji, the mobile service delivery economic and legal services Moturiki District in the Lomaiviti team held awareness raising provided by the Ministry of Province, located in the Eastern sessions and delivered services to Women, Children and Poverty Division of Fiji, where young the doorstep of communities. Alleviation, the Legal Aid people were among those who Commission and the Human In Navuti village, Elenoa recognized the values stated in Rights and Anti-Discrimination Naidoleca, a single mother of 5 the Constitution of the Republic Commission is one of the ways and 9-year-old boys was among of Fiji and could access the social, which assist young people to the others who met with the economic and legal services tackle those issues they have mobile service delivery team at provided by the government. been dealing with such as the village hall. It was her first violence at home, in People from all ten villages in the time to meet the officers and communities and schools, gender district were engaged in discuss her living situation. and intergenerational relations, discussions on their She is expected to make poverty and education. constitutional rights and could monetary contributions to access the information and Alelia Rarasea from Yanuca various village and church services provided by the Ministry village said, “We benefitted from activities in addition to making of Women, Children and Poverty the team who came to our village ends meet for her children and Alleviation, Legal Aid today. We are more aware of our herself. Supported by families Commission, Human Rights and rights and entitlements by and other villagers, she could Anti-Discrimination Commission directly listening and talking to and other local government the officers rather than getting RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

partial information from those who attend workshops in the towns or cities.”

The mobile service delivery is implemented as part of the Rights, Empowerment and Cohesion (REACH) for Rural and Urban Fijians Project which aims to promote peace building, social cohesion and inclusiveness through awareness of rights, access to services, provision of legal advice and institutional capacity building in Fiji.

The Government has endorsed Navuti village the global Sustainable Development Goals which aim to ensure that no one will be left behind and endeavor to reach the furthest behind first. Goal 16 is a commitment to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. For Goal 5, there is commitment to achieve gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls. The REACH Niubasaga village Project supports the achievement of these goals.

The project is implemented in Fiji by the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji in partnership with the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, and the Legal Aid Commission with support from the Government of Japan and UNDP.

United Nations Nasesara village Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific http://www.pacific.undp.org/content/pacific/en/home/presscenter/articles/2 Office in Fiji 017/06/09/youths-in-moturiki-district-recognized-constitutional-values-and- rights.html www.pacific.undp.org

‘REACH Mobile Service Delivery Buses’ to deliver government’s services to people across Fiji

12 April 2017 (Suva, Fiji) – Three new custom built buses were commissioned today in Suva that will allow the Government of Fiji to deliver social, economic and legal services to remote communities and raise awareness of Fijians of the rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji.

The Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, the Legal Aid Commission, the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) commissioned three REACH Mobile Service Delivery Buses as part of the Rights, Empowerment and Cohesion (REACH) for Rural and Urban Fijians Project that aims to promote peace building, social cohesion and inclusiveness.

The buses are custom designed and equipped to support the Government to undertake effective service delivery to rural and urban communities in Fiji, leaving no one behind – be it a child, an elderly person or a person living with disabilities. Hon. Mereseini Vuniwaqa, Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation said in her Welcoming Address, “Geography and challenges faced by our clients limit their ability to access our services. Some live with disabilities, some have no access to affordable or timely transportation and some have absolutely no idea what kind of services are available for them. It is in this realization of the challenge in front of us that the REACH Project was born. Where people could not come to us, we decided to take our services to them.”

“Today’s occasion is very symbolic – through the Government of Japan’s financial assistance and the facilitation of the UNDP towards the REACH initiative we now have a strong platform to boost Government service delivery. Partnerships such as these go a long way in not only realizing our Ministerial mandate, they also forge our national efforts towards the realization of the sustainable development goals” the Minister emphasized.

Mr. Shahin Rafique Ali, Acting Director, Legal Aid Commission said, "The Legal Aid Commission is fully committed to creating awareness on the rights of Fijians in order to help them understand their legal rights and to also access the free legal services funded by the Fijian Government through the Legal Aid Commission.” Mr. Ali also said, “It is imperative that all Fijians have access to information on their rights, have access to government services, but more importantly, they must have access to these services, regardless of where they live. If they cannot come to us, we must go to them. We shall leave no one behind.”

The Project conducts awareness raising of the social, economic and legal rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji, provides access to the services associated with these rights, and strengthens institutional capacity to deliver these services.

A mobile awareness raising and service delivery approach is undertaken to reach communities throughout all of Fiji with the focus to reach the furthest behind first. The mobile awareness raising and service delivery is undertaken by teams from the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, the Legal Aid Commission, the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission and UNDP. The Fiji Police Force have also recently joined the team. The ‘REACH Mobile Service Delivery Buses’ will support the team’s outreach across Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, and for maritime areas the teams will continue to travel by boats.

From September 2015 to March 2017, the mobile teams conducted awareness and service delivery to 132 communities in 28 rural districts in 10 of the 15 provinces in Fiji throughout Eastern, Northern, Western and Central Divisions. The mobile teams reached 3,138 people including 1,591 women, 1,379 men and 168 children. The mobile teams also delivered 2,388 services, 1,535 to women and 853 to men, such services that included advice on eligibility for poverty alleviation schemes, information on women’s empowerment, discussions on women and child rights, and legal advisory services.

H. E. Takuji Hanatani, Ambassador of Japan said in his Official Address, “The mobile service delivery by the REACH Project will also lift the spirit of Fijians, when they see that despite the remoteness of their dwelling the Government cares for them and their rights … with these buses we take the fight for women’s empowerment, access to legal and social services, and awareness of citizens’ rights preserved in the Constitution to all Fijians in the far and remote areas of the country. I reaffirm Japan’s commitment for providing continued assistance for the sustainable development of Fiji.” Ms. Osnat Lubrani, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative said in her Official Address, “Recently UNDP, in partnership with the Government of Fiji, undertook the Pacific launch of the global Human Development Report 2016, which is entitled ‘Human Development for Everyone’. Human development is all about human freedoms: freedoms to realize the full potential of every human life, not just of a few, nor of most, but of all lives. That is why as part of the Sustainable Development Goals agenda there is the recognition that the global goals and targets must be met ‘…for all nations and peoples and for all segments of society’, and to endeavor ‘to reach the furthest behind first’.”

“The Project REACH is ground breaking in being aligned with the Human Development Report 2016 strategy to best care for those furthest behind. Through Project REACH we look forward to supporting the delivery of tangible and sustainable human development benefits to Fijians around the country,” stated Ms Lubrani.

The three-year REACH Project supports the Government’s implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal Five to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, and Goal 16 to promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies.

The project is being implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and the Legal Aid Commission and supported by the Government of Japan and UNDP.

For more information or media interviews please contact: Tomoko Kashiwazaki, Communications and Advocacy Officer, tel: +679 3312500 / 9422193, email: [email protected]

**** UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in some 170 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations. www.pacific.undp.org

Get in touch: UNDP on Twitter | on Facebook | on LinkedIn | on Google+ | UNDP in the Pacific: Pacific Office in Fiji | Samoa | Papua New Guinea |

RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

community to community. This Mobile Service Delivery is coordinated as part of the Rights, Empowerment and Cohesion (REACH) for Rural and Urban Fijians, called REACH Project.

Between 28 to 31 March 2017, 187 people (81 women, 99 men and 7 children) learned about their rights and services available when the REACH Mobile Service Delivery team visited the districts of Rewa, Veinuqa and Dawasamu. People also obtained some additional advice on the related issues specific to their Government’s social, economic and legal communities such as child protection, domestic violence, services made accessible at people’s doorstep and income generation among others. 13 April 2017 Maselina Keresiqa from More people in remote are not aware of the services Waisalulu Vutia community, communities are accessing social, they could benefit from or not Rewa District was one of the economic and legal services many of them have submitted participants who felt more provided by the Government applications at the government confident to deal with some which can provide substantive offices in town. Partly because issues in the community after the support to their lives when they have limited information, REACH Mobile Service Delivery. needed most. A hundred and limited awareness or simply no “As a Sunday School teacher, I eighty six people (113 women means or time to travel to town often talk with children and and 73 men) from seven to access these services. parents on various topics but we communities in the Central To raise awareness among hardly discussed the issues such Division accessed those services people about as child neglect and care. I feel when officers from their social, more supported knowing those the Ministry of "The session was very economic and services available to us and Women, Children useful and informative legal rights confident to exchange ideas on and Poverty enshrined in those issues with women’s group Alleviation, the especially for us, living Fiji’s and others in the communities,” Legal Aid in such an extremely Constitution said Keresiqa. Commission, the isolated environment…” and deliver the Human Rights and People from Wainilotulevu and associated Anti-Discrimination Asinate Shane, Wainilotulevu village Nasoqo villages in Veinuqa services Commission and District were particularly available to United Nations Development appreciative of the REACH them, officers from the Ministry Programme (UNDP) jointly Mobile Service Delivery given of Women, Children and Poverty visited their communities. that their villages are inaccessible Alleviation, the Legal Aid by road, requiring the REACH The Government of Fiji provides Commission, the Human Rights team to hike five hours in each a number of social, economic and and Anti-Discrimination direction to reach the villages. legal services to people in need Commission and UNDP come of assistance, but some of them together as a team to visit RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

Asinate Shane from Wainilotulevu village, said, "The session was very useful and informative especially for us, living in such an extremely isolated environment, pretty much we were unfamiliar with most of the Government services available."

The Rights, Empowerment and Cohesion (REACH) for Rural and Urban Fijians Project, aims to promote peacebuilding, social cohesion and inclusiveness through awareness of rights, access to services, provision of legal advice and institutional capacity building in Fiji. A mobile service delivery approach is undertaken to reach communities throughout all of Fiji with the focus to reach the furthest behind first.

The three-year REACH Project is being implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, and the Legal Aid Commission and supported by the Government of Japan and UNDP. http://www.pacific.undp.org/content /pacific/en/home/presscenter/article s/2017/04/13/government-s-social- economic-and-legal-services-made- accessible-at-people-s-doorstep.html

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji (Photos: Wainilotulevu village) www.pacific.undp.org

RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

how she could improve her livelihood to support her family and children until the REACH Mobile Service Delivery came to provide the awareness of the services available within the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation.

“I have been receiving social welfare services from the Ministry for my children but did not think about any other support I could apply for,” said Nainiwasa.

She added, “I learned the

information of other schemes provided by the Ministry through Services to empower women in Fiji to be the team we met today. I will plan to set up my small business bold for change with the support from the 12 April 2017 Ministry’s services, which will lift up my life, raising my children and sending them school.” People across Fiji, no matter teams visit rural, urban and where they live whether in the maritime communities to raise Pita Vakaravia was among the rural or urban, are stepping up awareness of rights enshrined in participants in the awareness towards empowerment of the Constitution of the Republic raising and service delivery women and gender equality and of Fiji, and then immediately session conducted by the REACH are being encouraged to Be Bold deliver any required legal, social Mobile Service Delivery team in For Change. A range of initiatives and economic services. Nauluvatu village, and was not across the country are sure about the various services A hundred and fifty one people supporting such change, provided by the Government. (89 women and 62 men) in including the Mobile Service Nauluvatu village and “I am now well informed of the Delivery initiative undertaken as Nabukaluka Village of the services provided by the Ministry part of the Rights, Empowerment Waidina District in the Naitasiri and the Legal Aid Commission and Cohesion (REACH) for Rural Province received the awareness and understand my rights to the and Urban Fijians Project, and raising and services delivery services stated in our the launch of Fiji’s first Domestic sessions through the REACH Constitution,” said Vakaravia. Violence Helpline. Mobile Service Delivery team on “Our geographical isolation may The REACH Project Mobile March 7th of this year. A hundred be a barrier to us obtaining Service Delivery is supported by and thirty nine people (131 information on the government the Government of Japan and the women and 8 men) also gathered services that is beneficial to us United Nations Development in Korovou Town located in the all. I am thankful that the team of Programme (UNDP), and is Namalata District of Tailevu officers came all the way to our conducted by teams of officers Province to celebrate community with all those from the Ministry of Women, International Women’s Day and information and services,” he Children and Poverty Alleviation, benefitted from the team’s visit. added. the Legal Aid Commission, and Latileta Nainiwasa from Saukasa the Human Rights and Anti- Another significant milestone Village, who was at the Discrimination Commission. The towards the empowerment of cerebration, could not imagine RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

women and gender equality in Fiji was undertaken by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation on International Women’s Day in Suva.

Fiji’s Hon. Prime Minister Rear Admiral Voreqe Bainimarama officially launched the Domestic Violence Helpline, noting that the initiative is designed to encourage Fijian women to be bold and to seize control of their lives, their health and their economic well-being. Nauluvatu village Anyone can access the 24-hour/7 day-a-week toll-free helpline by calling 1560. Hon. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama further called on all Fijian men to protect and respect women and to join in the fight to end violence against women and children.

The Fiji National Women’s Expo 2017 was also launched during the International Women’s Day celebrations, further strengthening initiatives for the empowerment of all women across Fiji. The REACH Project is a REACH Mobile Service Delivery team traveling to Nauluvatu village proud supporter of the Expo, where a range of awareness raising activities will be undertaken in relation to gender equality and empowerment.

http://www.pacific.undp.org/content /pacific/en/home/presscenter/article s/2017/04/12/services-to-empower- women-in-fiji-to-be-bold-for- change.html

United Nations Development Programme (from left) Christine Fowler, Programme Manager, UNDP; Rear Admiral (Retired) Hon. (UNDP) Pacific Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, Prime Minister of Fiji; Hon. Mereseini Vuniwaqa, Minister Office in Fiji for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation; and H.E.Mr. Takuji Hanatani, Ambassador www.pacific.undp.org of Japan in Fiji, at the Launch of the Domestic Violence Helpline and National Women’s Expo in commemoration of the 2017 International Women’s Day.

RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

allow the working community to also participate.

“I found it useful to our community people. I encouraged some of them to consult the officers who are here. I will also share this with others who could not come today. I appreciate the service delivery that came to our community,” said Ali.

REACH Mobile Service Delivery was also undertaken in Nadrau Village, in the District of Nadarivatu. Nadrau Village is remotely located in the highlands of Viti Levu and difficult to access Reaching the Furthest Behind First that requires about two hours by 13 March 2017 vehicle from the nearest town of Tavua, heading through rough Sigatoka, Fiji - Women and men Delivery. The REACH Project is terrains. in eight rural communities in four implemented by the United Nadrau Village headman, Seru districts of Fiji’s Western Division Nations Development Raicula, said, “This is the first became more aware of their Programme (UNDP) in time for Nadrau village to receive rights to legal, social and partnership with the Ministry of a joint visitation by the Legal Aid economic services provided by Women, Children and Poverty Commission and the Ministry of the Ministry of Women, Children Alleviation, and the Legal Aid Women, Children and Poverty and Poverty Alleviation, and the Commission supported by the Alleviation.” Legal Aid Commission. Many of Government of Japan and UNDP. them were then able to “We are blessed to have such The mobile teams, which consist immediately apply for those services delivered to our of officers from the Ministry of services which will make doorsteps and we look forward Women, Children and Poverty difference in their lives. to more similar visitation by the Alleviation, the Legal Aid Government of Fiji ministries and People in rural communities are Commission also including other departments,” added Raicula. often not aware of the services government officers and UNDP available to them by the staff, travel to rural, urban and Government. Sometimes it is maritime communities across Fiji difficult for them to travel all the and raise awareness of rights way to a town where enshrined in the Constitution of government offices are located the Republic of Fiji, and deliver and submit all documents legal, social and economic required to apply for these services provided by the Fiji services. Government at their doorstep. Faiyaz Ali at the REACH Mobile Service in The awareness of rights and Faiyaz Ali from Kulukulu Sigatoka (Photo: UNDP/Tomoko Kashiwazaki) delivery of legal, social and settlement in Sigatoka, was economic services were brought among those that welcomed the The REACH Mobile Service to the communities through the REACH Mobile Service Delivery in Delivery commenced in July 2015 Rights, Empowerment and the district. The session was and has been delivering services Cohesion (REACH) Mobile Service conducted in the evening to in the Central, Northern and RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

Eastern Divisions. It has now made its first mission to the HIGHLIGHTS Western Division, as The mobile service team met 299 people (115 women and 184 men) communities continue to recover from 8 communities in 4 districts (Sigatoka, Lautoka, Ba and from Tropical Cyclone Winston Nadarivatu) in the Central Division. that occurred early last year. The mobile service team delivered 425 services (253 to women and Commissioner Western, Manasa 172 to men) which was comprised of: Department of Social Welfare Tagicakibau said, “The REACH delivered 253 services (140 to women and 113 to men); Department mobile team met 299 people in of Women delivered 92 services (85 to women and 7 to men); and the eight communities in the four Fiji Legal Aid Commission delivered 80 services (28 women and 52 districts of Sigatoka, Lautoka, Ba men). and Nadarivatu in the Western Division during its four-day mission.” effectively using the built-in tackle climate change, while He added, “This was much meeting rooms and various tools ensuring that no one is left needed assistance to people to and technology. This will cater behind. The REACH Project will move forward. It empowered for travel in the coming months contribute particularly to them, particularly for those that to communities in the Central, achieving Goal 5 that is, to needed it the most but did not Northern and Western Divisions, achieve gender equality and know how to access the delivering services to people and empower all women and girls, services.” leaving no one behind. and Goal 16 that is, to promote just, peaceful and inclusive The REACH Mobile Service Last year, the 17 Sustainable societies. Delivery will be strengthened by Development Goals (SDGs) The REACH Project and its mobile mobilizing the REACH Buses officially came into force. Over service delivery approach to specially designed and equipped the next fifteen years, with these communities, attempts to reach in Fiji for such service delivery. new Goals that universally apply the furthest behind first, and Three Fijian Made buses, one of to all, countries will mobilize aims to promote peace building, which was publicly introduced efforts to end all forms of social cohesion and inclusiveness last November in Suva, will poverty, fight inequalities and provide service delivery more through awareness of rights, access to services, provision of legal advice and institutional capacity building in Fiji.

http://www.pacific.undp.org/content /pacific/en/home/presscenter/article s/2017/03/13/reaching-the-furthest- behind-first.html

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific People of Saru community in Lautoka, West of Fiji, during the REACH Mobile Service Office in Fiji Delivery Service at their location (Photo: UNDP/Tevita Dawai) www.pacific.undp.org

Figure 1

RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

visit communities, raise awareness on constitutional rights and deliver the social, economic and legal services people need.

A school master from Waimaqela settlement, Krishna Reddy, welcomed the REACH Mobile Service Delivery team at his community.

“It is very important for us to be able to access the awareness raising activities and services close to our community,” Reddy said.

Former Turaga ni Koro of Lavena village, Pelasio Manasewa, appreciated the assistance Upholding People’s Constitutional provided by the Mobile Service Right to Access Services at his village. He was able to obtain a copy of his birth 10 January 2017 certificate, which he lost when Tropical Cyclone Winston hit his Taveuni, Fiji - A number of Fijians Project, also called the home; he used the opportunity villages on Taveuni Island are REACH Project, a mobile service to also apply for Bus Fare located so far from the island’s delivery approach was designed Assistance. town that accessing public to assist people in need of public services can be such a strain. services but find it difficult to “I am glad that my photos were Their capacity is already access them in towns. taken by the Social Welfare stretched as they recover from Officer during his team visit the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone “Accessing the today which saved me from going to town a few times to Winston that hit Fiji almost a services is people’s year ago, while other settlements apply for the service,” said Mr located further from shore are right in our Constitution Manasea. and if people have enduring dry weather. The Mobile Service Delivery to difficulty to do so, we People in Lavena village and Taveuni this time carried a Waimaqela settlement of the government officers special theme - ‘Stand Up For Taveuni travel to town by bus to should be able to come Someone’s Rights Today’ - to apply for economic, social and to them.” commemorate the International Human Rights Day held on legal services provided by the Child Protection Project Officer at the Government, the trip takes an Department of Social Welfare for the December 10th. entire day in order to catch the Northern Division, Vetaia Vuinakelo Child Protection Project Officer return bus home. Bus fare would Under the REACH project, small at the Department of Social cost a lot for them and more if groups of officers from the Welfare for the Northern they have to go a few times until Ministry of Women, Children and Division, Vetaia Vuinakelo said, they complete their applications. Poverty Alleviation, the Legal Aid “Accessing the services is Initiated through the Rights, Commission and the United people’s right in our Constitution Empowerment and Cohesion Nations Development and if people have difficulty to do (REACH) for Rural and Urban Programme (UNDP) go out to so, we the government officers RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

should be able to come to them. The REACH Mobile Service Delivery approach is most appropriate in Fiji.”

“I talked to the participants on the importance of paying attention to their children particularly in the festive season of the year. I also talked to the children about the Child Helpline #1325 through which anyone, including children, can seek advice,” he added. (L-R) UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Country Director, Bakhodir Burkhanov; Minister for The REACH initiative is expected Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Mereseini Vuniwaqa; Minister for Health to further strengthen its Mobile and Medical Services, Hon. Rosy Akbar; and Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. Takuji Hanatani (Photo: UNDP/Tomoko Kashiwazaki) Service Delivery through the commissioning of buses specially the other two in early 2017, will economic and legal rights as designed in Fiji for this purpose. strengthen the outreach enshrined in the Constitution.” One of the three buses was capability of the project and help “Indeed, the Government has publicly introduced in Suva last mobilize resources and officials prioritized the provision of these month by the Ministry of to the frontlines of the fight services to all, which reinforces Women, Children and Poverty against violence on women and Fiji’s commitment to and Alleviation. children as well as for women’s implementation of the empowerment in general”. “This is the first of the three Sustainable Development Goals buses or more like mobile offices The project aims to promote agenda, which pledges to ‘leave for the no one behind,” he added. effective The REACH Project is linked to execution of the Sustainable Development the REACH Goals particularly through Project,” said achieving gender equality and Hon. Minister empowerment of all women and for Women, girls – Goal 5, and promoting Children and The REACH Project Bus was introduced on 15th December 2016 peaceful and inclusive societies Poverty by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation in for sustainable development, Alleviation, support of the Mobile Service Delivery (Photo: UNDP/Tomoko providing access to justice for all Mereseini Kashiwazaki) and building effective, Vuniwaqa. peace building, social cohesion accountable and inclusive and inclusiveness through institutions at all levels – Goal 16. The three-year project is being awareness of rights, access to implemented by UNDP in services, provision of legal advice partnership with the Ministry of http://www.pacific.undp.org/content and institutional capacity /pacific/en/home/presscenter/article Women, Children and Poverty building in Fiji. s/2017/01/10/upholding-people-s- Alleviation and the Legal Aid constitutional-right-to-access- Commission and supported by UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji services.html the Government of Japan and Country Director, Bakhodir UNDP. Burkhanov said, “The REACH United Nations Project is designed to do Development Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. precisely that – to support the Programme Takuji Hanatani, said, “The Government of Fiji to reach out (UNDP) Pacific inclusion of this bus in REACH to all Fijians to deliver on social, Office in Fiji Project operations, followed by www.pacific.undp.org RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

on foot or horseback along the Wainimala River before getting on the public bus for another three hours to get to the main city area.

Social Welfare Officer for the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Laisani Bainivalu said, "Many applications for social services submitted from people in remote villages show the necessity of us officers to reach out to those who are disadvantaged in terms of accessing services".

Providing the remote population of “Now I’ve learned that I could apply for a Naitasiri access to social, economic and financial support legal services scheme. That will help us”. 13 December 2016 Karalaini Lewaiwau, from Matawaulevu village, Wainimala Suva, Fiji - Remote villages in the Fowler said, “This project has put District, Naitasiri Province Naitasiri province, for the longest together a mobile service team time, found it difficult to access that includes the Ministry of "REACH mobile service delivery social, economic and legal Women, Children and Poverty approach enables both the services. The people of Matailou Alleviation, the Legal Aid Ministry of Women, Children and and Wanimala District would Commission and the Human Poverty Alleviation and the Legal travel for hours on foot or Rights and Anti-Discrimination Aid Commission to come horseback to the nearby bus Commission representatives. together and deliver our much stand to get to the city where needed services to the remote She added, “They go to these these services are accessed. communities at their doorsteps,” villages and provide their she added. The United Nations Development services to the communities Programme (UNDP) in rather than having them come to Karalaini Lewaiwau, from partnership with the Ministry of the main city which they find Matawaulevu village, met the Women, Children and Poverty very difficult to do.” team during one of their recent Alleviation, the Legal Aid visits said, “My son was injured Commission, and the Human badly last year. He is recovering Rights and Anti-Discrimination but I still need to take him to a Commission is changing that for hospital in Suva regularly which the people in 16 remote villages takes long walk and bus ride and in the two districts through the costs me so much. Now I’ve Rights, Empowerment and learned that I could apply for a Cohesion (REACH) for Rural and financial support scheme. That Urban Fijians Project. Participants at Lutu village, Wainimala will help us”. District, Naitasiri Province UNDP Access to Justice, Rule of Adi Ema Delaiwau from Lasalevu Law and Human Rights People from these remote areas village looks after her two Programme Manager, Christine have had to travel for two hours RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

grandchildren with her retired husband. Delaiwau has been HIGHLIGHTS receiving her Poverty Benefit The mobile service team met people from 16 villages in 2 districts Scheme but finds it difficult to (Matailobau and Wainimala), Naitasiri Province and the Central Division. feed all her family and send her Total number of participants: 250 (133 women and 117 men) two children to school. The mobile service team delivered 217 services (127 women and 90 “I asked the officer if the amount men). The Department of Social Welfare delivered 105 (35 to women of the support could increase. and 70 to men); the Department of Women delivered 73 (all to women); She was helpful assisting me to and the Legal Aid Commission delivered 39 (19 women and 20 men). obtain the required documents to verify my situation,” said Delaiwau.

From the recent mobile services provided, thirty new applications for economic and social benefits including the Poverty Benefit Scheme, Social Pension Scheme, Bus Fare Assistance, Care and Protection Allowance and Rural Pregnant Mothers Food Vouchers were successfully submitted to the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation.

The REACH Project aims to promote peace building, social Riding on horseback to get to and from remote villages in Naitasiri (Photo: UNDP/Tomoko cohesion and inclusiveness Kashiwazaki) through awareness of rights, access to services, provision of legal advice and institutional capacity building in Fiji.

The three-year project is being implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and the Legal Aid Commission and supported by the Government of Japan.

Nasava village, Wainimala District, Naitasiri Province United Nations

Development Programme http://www.pacific.undp.org/content/pacific/en/home/presscenter/articles/2016/12/13 (UNDP) Pacific /providing-the-remote-population-of-naitasiri-access-to-social-economic-and-legal- Office in Fiji services0.html www.pacific.undp.org RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

‘Yaubula Sevens Festival’ held in Vunisea, the center of the province in which more than 33 villages from all over the province participated.

Bulou Varanisese from Nakaunakoro village came to the neighboring Nakoronawa village in Nakasaleka District which hosted the REACH mobile team and had a chance to talk to the officers.

“I heard about legal aid services for the first time and learned that the services are available for us for free. I was able to learn how

Awareness and service delivery provided to process adoption formally. We are grateful that the group of in Fiji’s remote communities officers came to this remote community all the way.” 6 December 2016 “We would welcome more awareness programmes to be Kadavu, Fiji – Men and women Development Programme conducted at our community,” from across 18 villages in the (UNDP). she added. four districts of Kadavu Province, The initiative is part of the Rights, for the first time learned about Like Ms Varanisese, people who Empowerment and Cohesion the legal aid services available to participated in the awareness (REACH) for Rural and Urban them from the Legal Aid and service delivery sessions Fijians Project, also called the Commission Officers who conducted by the REACH mobile REACH Project recently visited team brought to the officers implemented by their “I heard about legal various issues concerning them, UNDP in partnership communities. aid services for the ranging from adoption, divorce, with the Ministry of maintenance, deed poll (a legal The Legal Aid first time and learned Women, Children document that proves a change Commission that the services are and Poverty of name), child custody, probate Officers were Alleviation, the Legal available for us for (the official proving of a will), part of a mobile Aid Commission and free. … We are grateful transfer of assets, power of initiative for local governments that the group of attorney, debt issue, land lease awareness supported by the issue to matter of the raising and officers came to this Government of registration of native landowners service delivery remote community all Japan. The mobile or Vola ni Kawa Bula (VKB). provided by the the way.” team carried out the Ministry of Bulou Varanisese from Nakaunakoro programme over a Thirty nine particular individuals Women, village, Nakasaleka District, Kadavu period of five days in were provided with advice or Children and Province the villages and referrals by the officers from the Poverty primary schools of Legal Aid Commission during Alleviation, the Legal Aid Nakasaleka, Ravitaki, Tavuki and their visit. Commission, Human Rights and Yawe Districts in Kadavu Legal Aid Commission Senior Anti-Discrimination Commission Province. The services were also Legal Officer, Keli Vulimainadave (HRADC) and the United Nations provided under the tent at the said, “People have been provincial wide sports event, RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

encountering various issues, many of which can be solved with the legal assistance we provide. People should be able to access the social, economic and legal services they are entitled to and exercise their rights guaranteed in our Constitution”.

“Everyone, particularly those who has no means to do so, should be able to access legal aid services. This unique mobile Students and teachers at Namalata Primary School learned about approach enables people to human rights at school from the REACH mobile team access our services right in their communities even in remote areas,” she added.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals launched on 1 January 2016 with 17 goals, addresses the needs of people in both developed and developing countries - emphasizing that ‘No one should be left behind’. The REACH project will contribute Galoa village, Tavuki District particularly to achieving Goal Five, which is achieving gender equality and empowering all HIGHLIGHTS women and girls and Goal 16 that promotes just, peaceful and The mobile service team met 199 people (81 women and 109 men) from 18 communities in 4 inclusive societies. districts (Nakasaleka, Ravitaki, Tavuki and Yawe The REACH project aims to Districts) in the Eastern Division. increase people’s awareness The mobile service team delivered 135 services (68 about their constitutional rights to women and 67 to men) which was comprised of: and deliver social, economic and Department of Social Welfare delivered 70 services legal services provided by the (39 to women and 31 to men); Department of Ministry and the Legal Aid UnitedWomen Nations delivered 11 services (11 to women); and Commission at their doorsteps. Developmentthe Fiji Legal Aid Commission delivered 39 services (14 women and 25 men); Huma Rights and Anti- Programme (UNDP)Discrimination Pacific Commission delivered 15 services (4 Officeto in women Fiji and 11 to men). www.pacific.undp.org In addition, 106 (52 women/girls; 54 men/boys) students and teachers know more about their human rights through the REACH mobile awareness raising. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji http://www.pacific.undp.org/content/pacific/en/home/presscenter/articles/2016/12 /06/awareness-and-service-delivery-provided-in-fiji-s-remote-communities.html www.pacific.undp.org

RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

Province, Northern Division. With the sun setting, around 50 people gathered at a nearby primary school after completing their work of the day. People learned from the officers various economic and social services and support programmes provided by the Government of Fiji through the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation. They also came to know how the Legal Aid Commission could help people in difficult situations. The mobile service delivery was also provided to over 70 people from Nubu, Nabukebuli, Nabutubutu,

Government services reaching out Naikelikoso and Wainaidru villages, Nadogo District, further to people in communities Macuata Province, Northern Division on the following day. 22 June 2016 It was the first REACH mobile service for 2016 due to the Labasa, Fiji - Nai Nailevu raises To raise awareness among impact of Tropical Cyclone four children who are attending people about their rights and Winston and government being primary and secondary school. services available to them, fully engaged in various recovery She found it difficult to keep her officers from the Ministry of and support programmes to the family going after she separated Women, Children and Poverty communities. Previously from her husband. She did not Alleviation, and the Legal Aid between September to have a paid job. She did not Commission come together as a December 2015, REACH mobile know if the Government could team to visit communities to teams comprised of officers from provide any support for her. raise awareness of services the Ministry of Women, Children available and Ms Nailevu’s and Poverty Alleviation and the to also provide situation is “It was the first time the Legal Aid Commission conducted service not unique in 17 days of awareness and service community received this type delivery during Fiji. Many delivery to 48 villages and of awareness programme. the visit. The people may settlements in 10 of the 37 ‘mobile service not fully We appreciated because it Districts in all three provinces of delivery’ is understand Bua, Cakaudrove and Macuata in was very informative and coordinated as their rights the Northern Division, reaching educational.” part of the under the 1,127 people including 464 project, Rights, Constitution Umesh Prasad, Advisory Council for Korowiri women, 507 men and 156 and Tovata communities Empowerment of the children. These mobile teams and Cohesion Republic of also delivered 729 services such (REACH) for Fiji nor understand the economic as advice on eligibility for poverty Rural and Urban Fijians, called and social support and legal alleviation schemes, information REACH Project. services provided by the on women and child rights, and Government that they could REACH mobile service was legal advisory services. For the access. recently undertaken for people in majority of the missions, Korowiri and Tovata settlements representatives from the in Labasa District, Macuata Commissioner Northern Office RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

and Provincial Councils also accompanied the mobile team and responded to many enquiries raised by community members.

REACH mobile service delivery will now be commencing throughout Fiji.

“It was the first time the community received this type of awareness programme. We appreciated because it was very informative and educational. The group session was useful and easy for us to ask questions to the officers. Now that people Women obtaining more information as group and individuals during the REACH mobile service delivery to people in Nubu, Nabukebuli, Nabutubutu, Naikelikoso and Wainaidru know what services are available, villages (Photo: UNDP) they are trying to apply for some services. Women’s group will be countries - emphasizing formed in the communities as that “No one should be well and will apply for the skill left behind”. The REACH training the Ministry provide.” project will contribute Umesh Prasad, Advisory Council particularly to achieving for Korowiri and Tovata Goal 5: Achieving gender communities shared with the equality and empowering REACH mobile service delivery all women and girls and team. Goal 16: Promoting just, Production of the REACH advocacy video was carried Ms Nailevu was provided peaceful and inclusive out during the REACH mobile service delivery mission. societies. additional information on the poverty benefit scheme. She had The Rights, Empowerment http://www.pacific.undp.org/content/pacific/en/ previously applied and received and Cohesion (REACH) for home/presscenter/articles/2016/06/22/governm the scheme assistance which has Rural and Urban Fijians ent-services-reaching-out-further-to-people-in- helped her continue to support Project, aims to promote communities0.html her children’s education and peacebuilding, social more. cohesion and inclusiveness “The assistance enables me to through awareness of rights, pay to the schools for my access to services, provision of children and buy daily legal advice and institutional necessaries for my family. I also capacity building in Fiji. The used the money from the three-year REACH Project is scheme to help me start a small being implemented by the business at home so now I do not United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in have to borrow money from others,” said Ms Nailevu. partnership with the Ministry of Women, Children and United Nations The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Poverty Alleviation and the Development Development Goals launched on Legal Aid Commission and Programme (UNDP) 1 January 2016 with 17 goals, supported by the Government Pacific Office in Fiji addresses the needs of people in of Japan and UNDP. www.pacific.undp.org both developed and developing RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

three teams, each of which prepared and conducted a 30- minute presentation. The lessons chosen by the participants covered the topics of the right to education, prevention of domestic violence and what constitutes a crime. Following the presentations feedback was provided.

Jamie Anne Mayo Bancod was among the lecturers from the University of Fiji who participated in the workshop. She shared her feelings about the workshop, “I found the methods used at the workshop were Talking about Human Rights and Law in exciting and informative. I teach Interactive Ways first-year University students about legal methods and 27 April 2016 research and the methods I learned from the workshop would be effective to teach those Suva, Fiji - Lawyers from the South Africa. This workshop is a young students.” Human Rights and Anti- continuation of previous Laisiasa M. Rogoyawa, from the Discrimination Commission workshops undertaken early this FHRADC, said, “I was particularly (HRADC) and Law Professors and year with participants from the impressed by the session on students from the University of Legal Aid Commission, Ministry formulating a logical oral Fiji learned and practiced various of Women, Children and Poverty argument on certain human interactive methods of raising Alleviation, University of the rights issues, the learning from awareness on human rights and South Pacific, and Fiji National which I can put into practice in legal issues at the community University. facilitating human rights level with the United Nations The participants were introduced education for school teachers Development Programme to the rationale for using and students.” (UNDP). Ashwin Raj, The Public Legal Awareness Director, Workshop was aimed to equip “Social and economic rights are HRADC said, lawyers with interactive methods inextricably woven with civil and political “Social and of teaching and raising rights. The REACH Project is an important economic awareness among the public on rights are law and human rights, including embodiment of the intersectionality of inextricably gender issues. The workshop was these rights.” woven with organized by the Rights, Ashwin Raj, Director, Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination civil and Empowerment and Cohesion Commission political rights. (REACH) for Rural and Urban The REACH Fijians Project, and facilitated by interactive teaching methods and Project is an important the world renowned clinical law given demonstrations of their embodiment of the teacher, Professor David use. They were then shown how intersectionality of these rights.” McQuoid-Mason from the to draw up a legal awareness University of Kwazulu-Natal, lesson plan and divided into RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

The REACH Project aims to promote peacebuilding, social cohesion and inclusiveness through awareness of rights, access to services, provision of legal advice and institutional capacity building in Fiji. The three-year REACH Project is implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and the Legal Aid Commission and is supported by the Government of Japan.

Christine Fowler, REACH Project Manager said that the REACH Project this year will soon The interactive sessions were facilitated by the President of the Commonwealth Legal commence mobile services of Education Association at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, Professor David awareness raising and service McQuoid-Mason delivery throughout Fiji. “The mobile teams this year will be In January 2016, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) officially assisted with mobile units which came into force. Over the next fifteen years, with these new Goals that are currently being designed and universally apply to all, countries will mobilize efforts to end all forms of will be specially equipped for poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change, while ensuring that no efficient delivery of services and one is left behind. The REACH Project will contribute particularly to effective awareness raising.” achieving Goal 5 that is, to achieve gender equality and empower all women The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable and girls, and Goal 16 that is, to promote just, peaceful and inclusive Development Goals launched on societies. 1 January 2016 with 17 goals, addresses the needs of people in both developed and developing countries - emphasising that “No one should be left behind”. The REACH project will contribute particularly to achieving Goal 5: Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls and Goal 16: Promoting just, peaceful and inclusive societies. http://www.pacific.undp.org/content /pacific/en/home/presscenter/article s/2016/04/27/talking-about-human- rights-and-law-in-interactive-ways- 1.html

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji www.pacific.undp.org

RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

enquiries raised by community members.”

“Awareness and service delivery were conducted across all three provinces in the Northern Division, to remote and difficult to access areas, including outreach to maritime areas, with the end result being that these communities are now empowered with information and knowledge of their rights and also provided with services by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation and the Legal Aid Commission right at their doorstep to access Government Services will Leave No One such rights,” Ms Fowler added.

Behind The REACH project started the 29 February 2016 New Year with a workshop to get the officers ready to go to the communities, raise awareness Suva, Fiji - Seventy three officers Christine Fowler, REACH Project and provide information and from the Legal Aid Commission Manager reported that between services. REACH Project will now and the Ministry of Women, September to December 2015, commence throughout Fiji, Children and Poverty Alleviation mobile teams comprising of commencing the mobile services have brushed up their skills of officers from the Ministry of in Central and Western Divisions, rights awareness raising, to Women, Children and Poverty as well as visiting the Eastern facilitate improved service Alleviation and the Legal Aid Division, while continuing the delivery to people in Fiji. Commission conducted 17 days awareness raising and service of awareness and service delivery delivery in the Northern Division. The Rights, Empowerment and to 48 villages and settlements in Cohesion (REACH) for Rural and 10 of the 37 districts in all three Urban Fijians Project, aims to provinces of Bua, Cakaudrove promote peacebuilding, social and Macuata in the Northern cohesion and inclusiveness Division, reaching 1,127 people through awareness of rights, including 464 women, 507 men access to services, provision of and 156 children. legal advice and institutional capacity building in Fiji. The “These mobile teams also Officers from the Legal Aid Commission three-year REACH project is delivered 729 services such as and the President of the being implemented by the advice on eligibility for poverty Commonwealth Legal Education United Nations Development alleviation schemes, information Association at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, Programme (UNDP) in on women and child rights, and Professor David McQuoid-Mason who partnership with the Ministry of legal advisory services,” she said. facilitated the workshop Women, Children and Poverty “For the majority of the missions, Sunil Sharma, the Director, Legal Alleviation and the Legal Aid representatives from the Aid Commission said, “the Legal Commission and supported by Commissioner Northern Office Aid Commission is fully the Government of Japan. and Provincial Councils also committed to going out and accompanied the mobile team reaching all communities, in and responded to many RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

order to help people understand Osnat Lubrani, UNDP Resident Minister for Women, Children their rights and also to access Representative said, “UNDP is and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. government services.” He added, marking its 50th anniversary in Rosy Sofia Akbar said the Project “it is important to ensure that all 2016, leading the UN will create new platforms for Fijians have access to development system in over 170 socioeconomic empowerment of information on their rights, have countries and territories and rural communities. the information on the services connecting countries to “The REACH Project is a unique that can be provided by the knowledge, experience and way to raise awareness on Government and have access to resources to help people build a Ministry's services, on social those services, wherever they better life. With over five welfare programs, women live in Fiji. Importantly we must decades of experience in empowerment and child have an inclusive approach to development work, I am most protection. It includes reach out to all Fijians and not pleased that UNDP though the information sharing on how to leave anyone behind.” REACH project, remains ready to report cases of domestic continue to The mobile team violence, child welfare cases, support and this year will be positive parenting, male “I am most pleased that work in assisted with advocacy, gender equality, UNDP though the REACH partnership mobile units women’s reproductive health with the specially project, remains ready to services and counselling services. Government of equipped and continue to support and We will capitalize on the REACH Fiji in its designed for Project to create well-informed, work in partnership with ongoing efforts efficient delivery united and resilient communities the Government of Fiji in to implement of services and in Fiji,” Minister Akbar the 2030 effective its ongoing efforts to elaborated. Agenda awareness implement the 2030 particularly in The REACH Project commenced raising. The Agenda particularly in those areas.” in June 2015, with the initial information those areas.” focus to enhance delivery of gained and H.E. Mr. Takuji services through the provision of lessons learned Osnat Lubrani, UNDP Resident Hanatani, ‘mobile teams’ visiting urban from the mobile Representative, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Ambassador informal and rural communities team services Extraordinary in the Northern Division. conducted in 2015, will inform and Plenipotentiary of Japan the type and style of these said, “Japan’s assistance for the The Legal Rights Awareness mobile units (such as buses) and REACH project aims to effectively Raising workshop was organized the processes to develop these improve people’s access to social by REACH Project from 11 - 14 vehicles have now commenced. services, especially for the January. women of Fiji in rural areas and With the 2030 Agenda for informal settlements. This is in http://www.pacific.undp.org/content Sustainable Development Goals /pacific/en/home/presscenter/pressr line with two of the main launched on 1 January 2016 with eleases/2016/02/29/government- concepts for Japanese ODA, 17 goals which addresses the services-will-leave-no-one- namely ‘Strengthening Human behind.html needs of people in both Security’ and ‘Encouraging developed and developing Gender Equality’. I am pleased to countries, emphasising that no acknowledge good progress one should be left behind, the made by the REACH project since REACH project will contribute it started in June 2015, also United Nations particularly to achieving the Goal strengthening the partnership Development 5: Achieve gender equality and between Japan, the Government Programme empower all women and girls of Fiji and UNDP”. (UNDP) Pacific and Goal 16: Promote just, Office in Fiji peaceful and inclusive societies. www.pacific.undp.org

RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

The Hon. Rosy Sofia Akbar, Support to Rights, Empowerment and Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation stated, Cohesion for rural and urban Fijians for “The Fijian Government places a lot of importance on taking sustainable development services to the people wherever they live. The REACH project is a 16 October 2015 wonderful fit to the puzzle and a means to do reach. This project will be the first of its type in Fiji and I am sure that a lot more space will make a big break for our “difficult to reach communities”. Sunil Sharma, The Director, Legal Aid Commission said, ‘The REACH project offers us a platform Support to Rights, Empowerment and whereby we are able to disseminate information on Cohesion for Rural and Urban Fijians for social and legal services to the women of Fiji. Our aim is to Sustainable Development empower the women of Fiji 16 October 2015 through legal awareness programmes and the REACH project has literally enabled the Suva, Fiji – The importance of Women, Children and Poverty Legal Aid Commission to reach building resilient social, Alleviation and the Legal Aid out to the rural and remote economic and governance Commission. The REACH Project communities of Fiji.” systems was highlighted as a key aims to promote peacebuilding, enabler for rural and urban social cohesion and inclusiveness H.E. Mr. Takuji Hanatani Fijians to both contribute to and through awareness of rights, Ambassador Extraordinary and benefit from sustainable access to services, provision of Plenipotentiary of Japan at the development legal advice opening said, “Japan is a co- by the United “… this is aimed at and sponsor of the Rights, Empowerment and Cohesion for Nations effectively improving the institutional Development capacity Rural and Urban Fijians Programme people’s access to social building in Fiji. Project…this is aimed at (UNDP) at the services, especially for the effectively improving the The three-year opening of the people’s access to social services, women of Fiji in rural areas REACH project Fiji National especially for the women of Fiji in and informal settlements.” is funded by Women’s Expo rural areas and informal the on 14 October. H.E. Mr. Takuji Hanatani Ambassador of settlements. This is in line with Japan Government of two of the main concepts for UNDP is Japan and has Japanese Overseas Development supporting commenced in Assistance, namely Strengthening Expo through the Rights, June 2015 with the initial focus Human Security and Encouraging Empowerment and Cohesion being to enhance delivery of Gender Equality.” (REACH) for Rural and Urban services through the provision of Fijians Project which is being ‘mobile teams’ visiting urban The Ambassador also urged the implemented by UNDP in informal and rural communities. women of Fiji, “to realize your partnership with the Ministry of true value in society and recognize your rights. I RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

encourage you to come forward and take advantage of the REACH project and the wider empowerment initiative put in place by the Fijian Government and key stakeholders. It is only through ownership and participation by you, the women, in the programmes and policies initiated by the government, that practical empowerment of women can be realized.”

Akiko Fujii, UNDP Deputy

Resident Representative said, “Since the REACH Project The REACH project supporting the Fiji National Women's Expo (Photo: UNDP) commenced in June 2015, there has been most positive feedback from those who have benefitted from the mobile services, as they consider the awareness and service delivery being provided at the community level by the Fijian Government, through the project as highly valuable.”

Prior to the Expo, on Monday 12 October, 120 women from the Northern Division who were selected to participate in Expo, attended a one-day workshop in Suva coordinated by the REACH REACH awareness raising and service delivery session during Expo Project and gained awareness on the social and legal services year’s observance of the http://www.pacific.undp.org/conten available to them and also to t/pacific/en/home/presscenter/pres increase their skills in financial International Day of Rural sreleases/2015/10/16/support-to- literacy. Women falls just after last rights-empowerment-and-cohesion- month’s landmark adoption by for-rural-and-urban-fijians-for- "I learned about some important world leaders of the 2030 sustainable-development-.html things in our life, such as Agenda for Sustainable registration of titles, caveat filing, Development. Our challenge now preparing a will and more about is to seize the opportunity the REACH Project in today’s offered by this inspiring new session," said Maopa Maibatiki, framework to transform rural from Wailevu District, women’s lives.” Cakaudrove Province who participated in the workshop. In Fiji, the REACH Project is taking up this opportunity to contribute United Nations Development Also during Expo on Thursday 15 to the transformation of rural Programme October the International Day of women’s lives. Rural Women was celebrated. In (UNDP) Pacific his message, the UN Secretary Office in Fiji www.pacific.undp.org General, Ban Ki-Moon said, “this

RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

Hon. Akbar has acknowledged the great support given from the Japanese Government and the United Nations Development Programme for making this project a reality for the communities in Fiji.

“People centred initiative by the Government of Fiji is closely identifies two of the main concepts of Japanese ODA, namely ‘Strengthening Human Security’ and ‘Encouraging Gender Equality’ towards building resilient societies. I sincerely hope that this project will effectively deliver to the Better access to justice and services for grassroot communities in harmonization with the Ministry people of Fiji of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, UNDP and relevant 20 April 2015 organizations and stakeholders. Based on its strong merit, I am Suva, Fiji – The United Nations building of people and key confident that this project will Development Programme governance institutions in Fiji. In also contribute to Fiji’s new (UNDP) and the Governments of doing so the Project aims to phase of “Nation Building,” said Fiji and of Japan today launched provide more effective, H.E. Mr. Takuji Hanatani, the Fiji REACH Project to support accountable and coordinated Ambassador of Japan. the Fijian Government’s push to provision of social services to the UNDP’s Resident Representative, improve service delivery to poor and those in rural Osnat Lubrani thanked the disadvantaged populations, communities at the same time Government of Japan for its particularly for women, youth, improving their access to justice support and commended the minorities and communities in and rule of law which will Fijian Government for its rural and urban informal promote the rights of women, commitment to strengthening settlements. youth and disadvantaged delivery of social welfare, basic communities. The Project for Improvement of services and improve access to Access to Social Services on This three-year, US$2.49 million justice for those that are Justice and Gender Related- project will be implemented by disadvantaged and living in rural Issues for All Fijians (REACH: UNDP in partnership with the communities. Rights, Empowerment and Ministry of Women, Children and “Support to inclusive and Cohesion for Rural and Urban Poverty Alleviation, and is effective democratic governance Fijians) aims to strengthen generously funded by the and promotion of peace and sustainable democratic Government of Japan. social cohesion is at the core of governance by promoting peace- Minister for Women, Children UNDP’s work and is one of the building, social cohesion and and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. pillars of its current Strategic inclusiveness through raising Rosy Akbar said the REACH Plan. This theme is also central to awareness on equal human Project will be a pathway to the current UN Development rights and domestic violence, expand the reach-out of Assistance Framework. This new creating better access to social government services to the rural initiative builds on a long track- services, legal aid and capacity and maritime communities in Fiji. RIGHTS, EMPOWERMENT & COHESION FOR RURAL AND URBAN FIJIANS PROJECT

record of UNDP support to Fiji in areas such as parliamentary development, civic education, local governance, gender equality, youth leadership, among others.

“We are very pleased by this opportunity to further strengthen our cooperation in particular the delivery of services to rural communities and those that are disadvantaged. Improved access to social services, legal aid and justice, which will promote the rights of women, youth and Constitution of the Republic of Fiji in three vernacular languages disadvantaged, are a

Government priority we are looking very much forward to support,” Mr Lubrani said.

UNDP has been supporting Fiji through both country-level and regional governance programmes in the areas of civic education, local governance, gender equality and youth leadership. As Fiji prepares a new Roadmap in 2015, UNDP will continue to assist Fiji’s progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals in 2015 and participation in discussions on the post-2015 development agenda.

http://www.pacific.undp.org/conten t/pacific/en/home/presscenter/pres sreleases/2015/04/20/better- access-to-justice-and-services-for- people-of-fiji.html

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji www.pacific.undp.org