Fiji and ICRC Reaffirm Commitment To Strengthening Humanitarian Cooperation

Fiji and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have reaffirmed their partnership and commitment to strengthening humanitarian cooperation across the Pacific.

This was highlighted during a meeting held between the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Lenora Qereqeretabua and the newly appointed Head of the ICRC Regional Delegation, Mr. Jordi Raich, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) headquarters on Thursday, 13 August 2026.

Hon. Qereqeretabua warmly welcomed Mr. Raich to Fiji and congratulated him on his appointment. She acknowledged the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for its longstanding humanitarian work and valuable support across the Pacific.

Furthermore, Hon. Qereqeretabua reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the ICRC on shared humanitarian priorities. This includes addressing the impacts of climate change, enhancing disaster preparedness, promoting peace and security, and advancing respect for human rights and international humanitarian principles.

Mr. Raich expressed his appreciation for Fiji’s ongoing partnership and recognised the important leadership role Fiji continues to play in promoting cooperation, peace, and development across the Pacific region.

In addition to this, he expressed his satisfaction in Fiji joining the Global Initiative for International Humanitarian Law [IHL] and believed this is an area— that could be explored further in the Pacific. Mr. Raich reaffirmed the ICRC’s commitment to working closely with Fiji and Pacific partners to advance humanitarian principles and address regional humanitarian challenges.

The meeting underscored the importance of sustained regional cooperation in promoting respect for international humanitarian law and reflected on the shared commitment of Fiji and the ICRC to advancing humanitarian principles and practical cooperation in support of peace, security and the well-being of communities across the region and beyond.