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Ministry of Foreign Affairs Fiji

PS OPM Receives ICRC Head of the Regional Delegation in the Pacific

Permanent Secretary Office of the Prime Minister and Acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, HE Mr. Yogesh Karan received a courtesy call from Mr. Vincent Ochilet, Head of Regional Delegation in the Pacific (International Committee of the Red Cross).

Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister and Acting Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yogesh J. Karan received a courtesy call from Mr. Vincent Ochilet, Head of Regional Delegation in the Pacific (International Committee of the Red Cross).

It was the first meeting between the Acting PS Foreign Affairs and the new ICRC regional head. The meeting provided an opportunity for Fiji to renew its commitment and explore ways to broaden partnerships with International Committee of the Red Cross through stronger engagements with the ICRC Regional Delegation in the Pacific.

PS Karan thanked Mr. Ochilet for the opportunity to hold initial discussions to enhance the development opportunities and cooperation between Fiji and ICRC.

Mr. Ochilet reaffirmed ICRC’s commitment to strengthen partnership with Fiji to significantly complement the aspirations of ICRC.

The ICRC regional delegation in the Pacific is based in Suva, Fiji. It covers 16 countries (Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu) and other territories of the Pacific.

Since its establishment in 1863, the ICRC's objective has been to ensure protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and strife. It does so through its direct action around the world, as well as by encouraging the development of international humanitarian law (IHL) and promoting respect for it by governments and all weapon bearers.

According to the information sourced from the official ICRC website, the International Committee of the Red Cross is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance. The ICRC also endeavors to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles.

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Several members of Public Accounts Committee of the Fijian Parliament visiting Wellington this week took advantage of a visit to the Wellington City Council’s Southern Landfill yesterday to glean a few ideas for waste management in Fiji. This included the Hon. Alexander O’Connor, Assistant Minister for Health, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, Opposition parliamentarian and Ms. Priya Chand, Parliamentary Secretary who were accompanied by the Fiji High Commission New Zealand staff.

The Southern landfill is an impressive setup particularly as it focuses on recycling and minimising the damage to the environment at the landfill.

Other remarkable features of the landfill were its gas collection, electricity regeneration, green waste mulching and water table management. The Hon. O’Connor, an engineer by profession, was particularly impressed and intends to develop a few ideas for the Fijian Government to consider.

The PAC members were invited to attend the Pacific PAC training seminar in Wellington facilitated by UNDP from the 12^th to the 13^th December.

The PAC members, including Deputy Chair, Hon. Mohammed Dean, MP, were hosted to afternoon tea at the Fiji Chancery. It was an opportunity for the Parliamentarians to meet the Locally Engaged Staff at the Mission and also update the staff on the work and concerns of the Public A

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